voc 1 n 2

To make a purchase

To buy a product (a little formal)

Queue

A sequence of people waiting to buy a product / enter somewhere

Receipt

A paper or electronic proof of purchase

Get a refund

Receive your money back for a returned item

Return policy

The rules for bringing back goods after purchase

Go on a shopping spree

Buy many things in a short period of time

Window shopping

Looking at items in shops without intending to buy them

Browse

Looking at items online or in a shop with the intention to buy them

Frugal

Uses money carefully and not wastefully

Thrifty

Uses money carefully and not wastefully

Rip-off

Something that is more expensive than it is worth

Note

Paper money issued by a central bank

My two cents worth

Used when introducing your opinion on a topic (usually a way to show humility)

Squander

To waste money

Raise funds for

To collect money for a specific purpose, often a charity

Earn a living from

To earn the money needed for food, clothing, etc

Exchange rate

The price of one country's currency in relation to another country's currency

Cost of living

The level of prices relating to a range of everyday items

To cover expenses

To provide money needed to buy, do, or make something

Be in debt to

To owe money to a person, bank or shop

Withdraw money

To take cash out of your bank account, usually using an ATM or at a bank.

Tax

An amount of money paid to the government based on your income or the cost of goods or services

Repay a loan

To return money that was borrowed with interest

Mortgage

A bank loan used to buy a property or piece of land

Cost an arm and a leg

Be very expensive

Make ends meet

To earn just enough money to cover basic living expenses

Well off

Have plenty of money

Luxury item

An expensive and desirable item

Retail therapy

Shopping done to improve one's mood

Bankrupt

A person or organization declared in law as unable to pay their debts

Still life

A type of artwork that depicts inanimate objects, often arranged aesthetically (e.g. fruit, flowers, household items)

Standing ovation

An enthusiastic show of applause in which the audience rises to their feet

Rehearsal

A practice session before a performance, such as a play, concert, or speech

Rhythm

A regular pattern of sounds or movements in music or poetry

Bring something to life

To make a fictional character or narrative feel vivid and realistic

Draw on

To use resources such as experience, knowledge, or emotions to create something

Hone one's craft

To improve one’s skill or technique through practice and refinement

Delve into

To explore something deeply and thoroughly

Tap into

To access or make use of something—especially feelings, ideas, or resources—that already exist

Critical acclaim

Widespread praise from critics, often in reviews or articles

Rave review

An extremely positive critique or evaluation, especially in media or press

Venue

The place where a performance, concert, or event is held

To play by ear

To play music without using written scores, relying on listening and memory. Also, to do something without a fixed plan, making decisions as you go

Masterpiece

A work that is considered outstanding in its field

Push the boundaries

To challenge or expand what is accepted or traditional

A stroke of genius

A brilliant or inspired idea or action

Breathe new life into

To make something old feel fresh or exciting again

Steal the spotlight

To attract all the attention

Under the radar

Not widely known or noticed, but still important or effective

The cutting edge

The most advanced or innovative part of something

Bring out

To highlight or reveal qualities in a piece of art

Come across

To be understood or interpreted in a particular way

Set apart

To make something different or unique compared to others

Multifaceted

Having many different sides, features, or qualities

Nuanced

Showing small, subtle details or complexity—often emotional or intellectual—not simple or one-dimensional

Provocative

Causing strong reactions, ideas, or emotions, often controversial

Transcendent

Going beyond ordinary limits; extraordinary and deeply affecting

Whimsical

Playful, imaginative, or fanciful in a creative way

Resonate with

To create a strong emotional connection; to feel meaningful

Gripping

So exciting or emotionally powerful that it holds your full attention