Text 4_The Meaning of Competition

a form of legalised hostility

a structured or accepted way of expressing aggression or competition

a great deal of something

a large amount of something

all-out

full effort, complete and total

be caught up in the belief

to be deeply convinced of something, often without questioning it

divisive

causing disagreement or conflict between people

enmity between

deep hostility or hatred between two people or groups

get trapped in the compulsion

to be stuck in an uncontrollable urge or habit

go on strike

to stop working as a form of protest

ineffectualness

the quality of being ineffective or not producing the desired result

let up

to become less intense or to stop

life-and-death issues

extremely serious matters that could mean survival or failure

measure up

to meet expectations, standards, or requirements

mediocre

average or not very good

nagging fear

a persistent, annoying feeling of worry or anxiety that won’t go away

out of my mind

crazy, overwhelmed, or unable to think clearly

pit somebody against somebody

to make two people or groups compete or fight against each other

play with abandon

to act freely and without restraint, especially with enthusiasm

preconceived

formed before having all the facts, often leading to bias

rebellious stance

an attitude of resisting authority or convention

relent

to become less strict or severe, to give in

single-minded

having one clear goal and focusing only on it

vehemently

with intense passion or strong emotions

waltz around

to move around in a careless, confident, or arrogant manner