Unit 4 - Gold Experience B2

express

Meaning: a fast service that stops at fewer places than a normal service

Example 1: We took the express train to the city centre.

Example 2: The express bus is faster because it makes fewer stops.

Pattern / Usage: adjective/noun in transport: express train/bus/service

Spanish: rápido/directo (servicio de transporte)

handy

Meaning: useful, convenient, or easy to use

Example 1: This app is handy when you're travelling.

Example 2: Keep a charger handy in case your phone battery runs out.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; handy for + noun/-ing

Spanish: práctico/a; conveniente

inner-city

Meaning: relating to the central, often densely populated part of a city

Example 1: The project focuses on inner-city schools.

Example 2: Housing can be expensive in inner-city areas.

Pattern / Usage: compound adjective; inner-city + noun

Spanish: del centro urbano / de zonas céntricas

overcrowded

Meaning: containing too many people for the available space

Example 1: The train was overcrowded during rush hour.

Example 2: Many popular tourist areas become overcrowded in summer.

Pattern / Usage: adjective

Spanish: superpoblado/a; abarrotado/a

remote

Meaning: far away from towns, cities, or other people

Example 1: They stayed in a remote village in the mountains.

Example 2: The beach is beautiful but quite remote.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; remote area/location

Spanish: remoto/a; alejado/a

secure

Meaning: safe and protected from danger or theft

Example 1: Make sure your bike is secure before you leave it.

Example 2: The building has a secure entrance.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; secure from/against + noun

Spanish: seguro/a

well-connected

Meaning: having good transport or communication links

Example 1: The neighbourhood is well-connected by bus and train.

Example 2: I prefer living somewhere well-connected to the city centre.

Pattern / Usage: compound adjective; well-connected to/by + noun

Spanish: bien comunicado/a

winding

Meaning: following a path with many curves and turns

Example 1: We drove along a winding mountain road.

Example 2: A winding path leads down to the beach.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; winding road/path

Spanish: sinuoso/a; con muchas curvas

apartment block/apartment complex

Meaning: a building or group of buildings containing many apartments

Example 1: They live in a modern apartment block near the station.

Example 2: The new apartment complex includes a gym and shared garden.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: bloque/complejo de departamentos

city walls

Meaning: defensive walls built around a city, especially in the past

Example 1: You can still walk along the old city walls.

Example 2: The medieval city walls attract many visitors.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: murallas de la ciudad

country cottage

Meaning: a small house in the countryside

Example 1: We rented a country cottage for the weekend.

Example 2: She dreams of owning a quiet country cottage.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: casa de campo

entrance gate

Meaning: a gate used to enter a place

Example 1: Meet me by the main entrance gate.

Example 2: Security checked our tickets at the entrance gate.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: puerta de entrada

housing crisis

Meaning: a serious situation in which there are not enough affordable homes

Example 1: Rising rents have made the housing crisis worse.

Example 2: The city is trying to address the housing crisis.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: crisis habitacional

leisure complex

Meaning: a place containing facilities for sports, entertainment, or relaxation

Example 1: The new leisure complex has a pool and cinema.

Example 2: Families often spend weekends at the leisure complex.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: complejo de ocio/recreativo

market square

Meaning: an open area in a town where markets are traditionally held

Example 1: We had coffee in the old market square.

Example 2: A food market takes place in the market square every Saturday.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: plaza del mercado

noise pollution

Meaning: harmful or annoying levels of noise in the environment

Example 1: Traffic is the main source of noise pollution in the area.

Example 2: The council introduced rules to reduce noise pollution.

Pattern / Usage: uncountable noun collocation

Spanish: contaminación acústica

play area

Meaning: a place designed for children to play

Example 1: The restaurant has a small play area for children.

Example 2: There's a safe play area next to the park café.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: zona de juegos

power station

Meaning: a place where electricity is produced

Example 1: The old power station has been converted into a museum.

Example 2: A new power station is planned outside the city.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: central eléctrica

public space

Meaning: an area open and accessible to everyone

Example 1: Good cities need safe, attractive public spaces.

Example 2: The square is one of the most popular public spaces in town.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: espacio público

public transport

Meaning: buses, trains, and other transport available for everyone to use

Example 1: I usually go to work by public transport.

Example 2: Better public transport could reduce traffic.

Pattern / Usage: uncountable noun; by public transport

Spanish: transporte público

road markings

Meaning: lines, symbols, and signs painted on a road surface

Example 1: The road markings are difficult to see at night.

Example 2: Fresh road markings were added near the school.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: marcas/señalización pintada en la calzada

sea levels

Meaning: the average height of the sea, often discussed in relation to climate change

Example 1: Scientists expect sea levels to rise.

Example 2: Higher sea levels threaten some coastal communities.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: niveles del mar

shop fronts

Meaning: the outside front parts of shops, especially where windows and signs are

Example 1: The old street has colourful shop fronts.

Example 2: The council wants to improve the appearance of the shop fronts.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: frentes/fachadas de locales

shopping complex

Meaning: a group of shops and often other facilities in one place

Example 1: A large shopping complex opened near the airport.

Example 2: The shopping complex includes restaurants and a cinema.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: complejo comercial

tourist spot

Meaning: a place that is popular with visitors

Example 1: The castle is one of the city's main tourist spots.

Example 2: We found a quiet beach away from the usual tourist spots.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: lugar turístico

town planners

Meaning: professionals who plan how towns and cities should develop

Example 1: Town planners are considering a new cycle network.

Example 2: The project brought together architects and town planners.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: urbanistas / planificadores urbanos

town square

Meaning: an open public area in the centre of a town

Example 1: People gathered in the town square for the concert.

Example 2: The hotel is only two minutes from the main town square.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: plaza del pueblo/ciudad

town hall

Meaning: the main building used by a local government

Example 1: The meeting will be held at the town hall.

Example 2: Residents protested outside the town hall.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: ayuntamiento/municipalidad

traffic jam

Meaning: a line of vehicles that cannot move or move very slowly

Example 1: We got stuck in a traffic jam on the way home.

Example 2: Leave early if you want to avoid the morning traffic jam.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation; get stuck in a traffic jam

Spanish: embotellamiento

traffic sign

Meaning: a sign beside or above a road giving information or instructions

Example 1: I didn't see the traffic sign until it was too late.

Example 2: The new traffic signs make the junction safer.

Pattern / Usage: noun collocation

Spanish: señal de tránsito

water levels

Meaning: the height or amount of water in a river, lake, reservoir, etc.

Example 1: Water levels are unusually low this year.

Example 2: Heavy rain caused water levels to rise quickly.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: niveles de agua

weather conditions

Meaning: the state of the weather at a particular time and place

Example 1: The match was cancelled because of bad weather conditions.

Example 2: Drivers should be careful in difficult weather conditions.

Pattern / Usage: plural noun collocation

Spanish: condiciones climáticas

at any rate

Meaning: used to say that something is true or important despite what was said before

Example 1: At any rate, we need to make a decision today.

Example 2: The plan may change, but at any rate we'll start next week.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; often at the start of a clause

Spanish: en cualquier caso

at first sight

Meaning: when you first see or consider something

Example 1: At first sight, the problem looked simple.

Example 2: I didn't like the building at first sight, but it grew on me.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: a primera vista

at least

Meaning: not less than a particular number, or used to mention one positive point

Example 1: It will take at least two hours.

Example 2: The hotel was expensive, but at least the location was excellent.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: al menos

at risk

Meaning: in danger of being harmed, lost, or affected

Example 1: Several coastal towns are at risk of flooding.

Example 2: The project is at risk if funding is delayed.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; at risk of + noun/-ing

Spanish: en riesgo

at the top of your voice

Meaning: as loudly as you can

Example 1: He shouted my name at the top of his voice.

Example 2: The children were singing at the top of their voices.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; possessive changes with subject

Spanish: a todo pulmón

by all means

Meaning: certainly; used to give permission or strong agreement

Example 1: By all means, use my notes if they help.

Example 2: If you want to leave early, by all means do so.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: por supuesto; desde ya

by far

Meaning: by a very large amount; clearly more than the others

Example 1: This is by far the best option.

Example 2: She was by far the most experienced candidate.

Pattern / Usage: pattern: by far + comparative/superlative

Spanish: por mucho; con diferencia

by hand

Meaning: using your hands rather than a machine

Example 1: The invitations were written by hand.

Example 2: These bags are made by hand.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: a mano

by surprise

Meaning: unexpectedly

Example 1: The announcement took everyone by surprise.

Example 2: The sudden change caught us by surprise.

Pattern / Usage: common collocations: take/catch sb by surprise

Spanish: por sorpresa

by yourself

Meaning: alone or without help from other people

Example 1: Can you finish the task by yourself?

Example 2: I travelled around the city by myself.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; by myself/yourself/himself, etc.

Spanish: por tu cuenta; solo/a

for a start

Meaning: used to introduce the first of several reasons or points

Example 1: For a start, the plan is too expensive.

Example 2: I wouldn't move there—for a start, the commute is too long.

Pattern / Usage: discourse phrase

Spanish: para empezar

for good

Meaning: permanently

Example 1: He left the city for good last year.

Example 2: Once the shop closes, it may be gone for good.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: para siempre

for one thing

Meaning: used to introduce one reason among several

Example 1: I don't want the job. For one thing, the hours are terrible.

Example 2: The area is attractive because, for one thing, it's very well-connected.

Pattern / Usage: discourse phrase

Spanish: por un lado / para empezar

for real

Meaning: genuine, serious, or actually happening

Example 1: Is this offer for real?

Example 2: When the lights went out, we realised the emergency was for real.

Pattern / Usage: informal fixed phrase

Spanish: de verdad

for the most part

Meaning: mostly; in general

Example 1: For the most part, the feedback was positive.

Example 2: The neighbourhood is quiet for the most part.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en su mayor parte

in case

Meaning: because something might happen, so you prepare for it

Example 1: Take an umbrella in case it rains.

Example 2: Save a copy in case you need it later.

Pattern / Usage: pattern: in case + present/simple clause; NOT normally 'in case it will rain'

Spanish: por si acaso

in control

Meaning: able to manage or direct a situation

Example 1: She stayed calm and in control during the crisis.

Example 2: Who's in control of the budget?

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; in control of + noun

Spanish: al mando; con control

in danger

Meaning: in a situation where harm is possible

Example 1: The climbers were in danger after the weather changed.

Example 2: Several species are in danger of disappearing.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; in danger of + noun/-ing

Spanish: en peligro

in difficulty

Meaning: having problems or needing help

Example 1: The company is in financial difficulty.

Example 2: The programme supports families in difficulty.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; often plural 'in difficulties' in some contexts

Spanish: en dificultades

in fact

Meaning: used to add a stronger or more accurate statement

Example 1: I thought it would be difficult. In fact, it was quite easy.

Example 2: He isn't from London; in fact, he's from Manchester.

Pattern / Usage: discourse phrase

Spanish: de hecho

in flames

Meaning: burning strongly

Example 1: When firefighters arrived, the building was in flames.

Example 2: The car was completely in flames within minutes.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en llamas

in good time

Meaning: early enough, with enough time to spare

Example 1: We arrived in good time for the flight.

Example 2: Send the documents in good time so they can review them.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; in good time for + event

Spanish: con tiempo suficiente

in order

Meaning: correctly arranged, functioning properly, or according to a sequence

Example 1: Make sure all the documents are in order.

Example 2: Everything seems to be in order now.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en orden

in person

Meaning: physically present rather than by phone or online

Example 1: I'd rather discuss this in person.

Example 2: She finally met the client in person.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en persona

in place

Meaning: in the correct position or already established

Example 1: The new system is now in place.

Example 2: Make sure the safety measures are in place before opening.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en su lugar; establecido

in reach

Meaning: close enough to touch or achieve

Example 1: Keep your phone in reach.

Example 2: The target is difficult, but still in reach.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; within reach is also very common

Spanish: al alcance

in sight

Meaning: visible or able to be seen

Example 1: The finish line was finally in sight.

Example 2: There wasn't another house in sight.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: a la vista

in tears

Meaning: crying

Example 1: She was in tears after hearing the news.

Example 2: The film left half the audience in tears.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: llorando; en lágrimas

on fire

Meaning: burning

Example 1: A car was on fire near the motorway.

Example 2: The kitchen caught fire, but nobody was hurt.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; be on fire / catch fire

Spanish: en llamas

on foot

Meaning: walking rather than using transport

Example 1: We explored the old town on foot.

Example 2: The station is only ten minutes away on foot.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: a pie

on hold

Meaning: temporarily stopped, delayed, or waiting on the phone

Example 1: The project has been put on hold.

Example 2: I was on hold for twenty minutes.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; put sth on hold

Spanish: en espera

on purpose

Meaning: intentionally, not by accident

Example 1: I didn't break it on purpose.

Example 2: She left the message unanswered on purpose.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; opposite: by accident

Spanish: a propósito

on show

Meaning: being displayed so that people can see it

Example 1: The painting is on show at the museum.

Example 2: Several prototypes were on show at the event.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en exhibición

on the move

Meaning: moving from place to place or very busy and active

Example 1: I listen to podcasts when I'm on the move.

Example 2: He's constantly on the move during the day.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: en movimiento

on the whole

Meaning: generally, considering everything

Example 1: On the whole, I think the move was a good decision.

Example 2: The project went well on the whole.

Pattern / Usage: discourse phrase

Spanish: en general

on time

Meaning: at the planned or expected time, not late

Example 1: The train arrived on time.

Example 2: Please submit the report on time.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; on time ≠ in time

Spanish: a tiempo; puntual

on your mind

Meaning: something you are thinking or worrying about

Example 1: You look worried—what's on your mind?

Example 2: Work has been on my mind all weekend.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; on my/your/his/her mind

Spanish: en tu mente; preocupándote

out of breath

Meaning: breathing quickly because of physical effort

Example 1: I was out of breath after running up the stairs.

Example 2: Give me a minute—I'm still out of breath.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: sin aliento

out of danger

Meaning: no longer in a risky or life-threatening situation

Example 1: The patient is now out of danger.

Example 2: The hikers were finally out of danger before dark.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: fuera de peligro

out of date

Meaning: old-fashioned or no longer correct because things have changed

Example 1: This information is out of date.

Example 2: My passport is out of date, so I need to renew it.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase; opposite: up to date

Spanish: desactualizado/a; vencido/a

out of order

Meaning: not working correctly, or not arranged correctly

Example 1: The lift is out of order.

Example 2: The pages are out of order.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: fuera de servicio; descompuesto/a

out of place

Meaning: not suitable or not belonging in a particular situation

Example 1: I felt out of place at the formal dinner.

Example 2: That modern building looks out of place in the old village.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: fuera de lugar

out of sight

Meaning: not visible

Example 1: The boat disappeared out of sight.

Example 2: Keep dangerous chemicals out of sight of children.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase

Spanish: fuera de la vista

catch a cold

Meaning: to become ill with a common cold

Example 1: I caught a cold after the trip.

Example 2: Wear something warm so you don't catch a cold.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: catch a cold

Spanish: resfriarse

catch a train

Meaning: to get on a train before it leaves

Example 1: We need to leave now to catch the 8:30 train.

Example 2: She caught a train to London after work.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: catch a train/bus/flight

Spanish: tomar/agarrar un tren

catch the light

Meaning: to reflect or receive light in a noticeable way

Example 1: The glass roof catches the light beautifully.

Example 2: Her earrings caught the light as she turned.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: catch the light

Spanish: captar/reflejar la luz

lose interest

Meaning: to stop being interested in something

Example 1: I lost interest in the series after the second season.

Example 2: Students can lose interest if the class is too repetitive.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: lose interest in + noun/-ing

Spanish: perder el interés

lose patience

Meaning: to become annoyed because something is taking too long or someone is difficult

Example 1: I started to lose patience after waiting for an hour.

Example 2: Don't lose patience with beginners.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: lose patience with + person

Spanish: perder la paciencia

lose sleep

Meaning: to sleep less because you are worried about something

Example 1: Don't lose sleep over one bad result.

Example 2: He lost sleep worrying about the deadline.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: lose sleep over + noun

Spanish: perder horas de sueño

lose your temper

Meaning: to suddenly become very angry

Example 1: He lost his temper during the argument.

Example 2: Try not to lose your temper when things go wrong.

Pattern / Usage: fixed collocation; possessive changes

Spanish: perder los estribos

lose touch

Meaning: to stop communicating with someone regularly

Example 1: We lost touch after university.

Example 2: I don't want to lose touch with my old colleagues.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: lose touch with + person

Spanish: perder el contacto

lose track of time

Meaning: to stop noticing how much time has passed

Example 1: I was reading and completely lost track of time.

Example 2: It's easy to lose track of time when you're working on something interesting.

Pattern / Usage: fixed collocation

Spanish: perder la noción del tiempo

make a difference

Meaning: to have an important or positive effect

Example 1: Small changes can make a big difference.

Example 2: Good communication makes a difference to team performance.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: make a difference to + noun

Spanish: marcar una diferencia

make any difference

Meaning: to have any effect or change the result

Example 1: Will leaving ten minutes earlier make any difference?

Example 2: It doesn't make any difference to me which option we choose.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: make a difference to + noun

Spanish: hacer alguna diferencia

make an excuse

Meaning: to give a reason, often not a very good one, for not doing something

Example 1: Don't make an excuse—just tell me what happened.

Example 2: He made an excuse for being late.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: make an excuse for + noun/-ing

Spanish: poner/inventar una excusa

make a fuss

Meaning: to complain or become very excited about something more than necessary

Example 1: Don't make a fuss about a small mistake.

Example 2: She didn't want anyone to make a fuss over her birthday.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: make a fuss about/over + noun

Spanish: hacer un escándalo / armar lío

make a mess

Meaning: to make something dirty or disorganised

Example 1: The children made a mess in the kitchen.

Example 2: I made a mess of the spreadsheet and had to start again.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: make a mess / make a mess of + noun

Spanish: hacer un lío/desorden

make somebody's day

Meaning: to make someone feel very happy

Example 1: Your message really made my day.

Example 2: Seeing her old friend made her day.

Pattern / Usage: idiom: make + person's + day

Spanish: alegrarle el día a alguien

make the most of it

Meaning: to use a situation as well as possible

Example 1: We only have two days there, so let's make the most of it.

Example 2: The weather wasn't perfect, but we made the most of it.

Pattern / Usage: fixed phrase: make the most of + noun/it

Spanish: aprovecharlo al máximo

make up your mind

Meaning: to make a decision after thinking about the options

Example 1: I can't make up my mind about which laptop to buy.

Example 2: You need to make up your mind before Friday.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: make up your mind about + noun / whether + clause

Spanish: decidirte

take your breath away

Meaning: to make you feel amazed because something is extremely beautiful or impressive

Example 1: The view from the top took my breath away.

Example 2: Her performance was so powerful it took everyone's breath away.

Pattern / Usage: idiom; take + person's + breath away

Spanish: dejarte sin aliento

take charge

Meaning: to start controlling or organising a situation

Example 1: She took charge when the manager was away.

Example 2: Someone needs to take charge of the project.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: take charge of + noun

Spanish: hacerse cargo

take control

Meaning: to begin directing or managing a situation

Example 1: He took control of the meeting.

Example 2: It's important to take control of your schedule.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: take control of + noun

Spanish: tomar el control

tell a joke

Meaning: to say something funny in order to make people laugh

Example 1: He told a joke to break the tension.

Example 2: She always tells terrible jokes.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: tell a joke; NOT 'say a joke'

Spanish: contar un chiste

tell a lie

Meaning: to say something that you know is not true

Example 1: He told a lie about where he had been.

Example 2: It's better to admit the mistake than tell a lie.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: tell a lie; NOT 'say a lie'

Spanish: decir una mentira

tell the difference

Meaning: to notice how two things are different

Example 1: Can you tell the difference between these two versions?

Example 2: I can't tell the difference by looking at them.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: tell the difference between A and B

Spanish: distinguir la diferencia

tell the truth

Meaning: to say what is true

Example 1: Just tell me the truth.

Example 2: She promised to tell the truth about what happened.

Pattern / Usage: collocation: tell the truth; NOT 'say the truth'

Spanish: decir la verdad

agricultural

Meaning: related to farming and the production of food or crops

Example 1: The region is mainly agricultural.

Example 2: The government is investing in agricultural technology.

Pattern / Usage: adjective; agriculture → agricultural

Spanish: agrícola