B2 Vocabulary and Learning Strategies Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and idioms defined in the B2 (FCE/ISE II) study guide to assist with exam preparation.

START methodology

A vocabulary learning strategy consisting of: See it, say it and check pronunciation; Try it in a context; Apply it and use it in phrases; Review it and remember it; Test it by using it in another context.

Vocabulary consistency rule

Reviewing vocabulary for 30 minutes per day to advance quickly.

Learning phrases vs. individual words

The advice to learn new vocabulary as short phrases where only one word is new, rather than isolated words.

Carry on

To continue.

Get (a)round to

To start something after planning it.

Let off steam

A fixed phrase or idiom meaning to release pent-up energy or emotion.

Take five

To take a short break.

On the ball

To be alert or doing well (also described as 'be on fire').

Hold up

To delay.

Make for

To head in a specific direction.

Have itchy feet

To want to move or travel.

In the same boat

To be in the same situation.

Catch on

To understand.

Fall behind

To not do something fast enough.

Hit the books

To study a lot.

With flying colours

To do something very well.

Back out (of)

To decide not to do something previously agreed upon.

Be a go-getter

To be ambitious.

Bank on

To depend on.

Cash in on (sth)

To sell something for profit.

Foot the bill

To pay for something.

Be skint

To not have any money.

Press on

To continue working.

In the nick of time

Just in time.

Once in a blue moon

To do something rarely.

In hindsight

Looking back in time or thinking about what could have been.

Put off

To make someone not want something anymore; to delay.

Spill the beans

To tell a secret.

Go/come down with

To become ill.

Pull through

To recover from an illness.

Risk life and limb

To do something very dangerous.

Look up to

To admire someone.

Stay up

To not go to bed.

Be a busy body

To be nosy or a gossip.

Come up with

To think of an idea or solution.

Pull the plug

To give up or stop doing something.

Die out

When all of something (like a species) dies.

Turn a blind eye

To not take notice of something deliberately.

Get away with

To not be punished for something.

Smell a rat

To feel that something is wrong or suspicious.

Dream up

To create an idea.

Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive.

Fall out with

To argue with someone.

Tie the knot

To get married.

Over the moon

To be very happy.