Test 4 - english definitions

incriminating

making someone appear guilty of a crime

confined

imprisoned or restricted in a certain area

predilection

a preference or special liking for something

superseded

replaced by something newer or better

run down

to become progressively worse or weaker, often due to neglect or lack of maintenance.

rest on one's laurels

to be complacent with past achievements

self-centred

preoccupied with one's own interests or feelings, often at the expense of others.

heedless

showing a reckless lack of care or attention

mistrial

a trial rendered invalid due to error or unfairness

single out

to choose or distinguish someone for special attention

get up one's nose

to annoy or irritate someone

put one's finger on

to identify exactly what is wrong or different

in with a chance

having a possibility of success

spoilt for choice

having too many good options to choose from

much the same as

very similar to something

on the loose

having escaped or being free to move around

simple pleasures

small, everyday joys in life

downright rude

extremely impolite or offensive

contrast sharply with

to be very different from something in a striking way

ins and outs

the detailed aspects of a situation or process

touch and go

uncertain or risky in outcome

impeccable

flawless, perfect

shrewd

having good judgment or sharp intelligence

middle of the street

a phrase indicating a position that is equidistant from both sides, often used to describe a neutral or indecisive stance.

livid

extremely angry

crotchety

tempered or irritable, often due to age.

blazing row

a very intense or heated argument

well-thumbed (pages)

pages that are worn or marked due to frequent handling and reading.

pounding heart

a rapidly beating heart due to excitement or fear

reach stalemate

to be in a situation where no progress can be made

painfully aware

very conscious or understanding of something unpleasant

perfectly capable

fully able to do something

walk on eggshells

to be very careful not to upset someone

at the discretion of

decided by the judgment of someone in authority

distant from

emotionally or physically detached from something

die away

to fade or diminish gradually

calculating

scheming or cunning in a selfish way

curt nod

a brief and abrupt gesture of acknowledgment

breathtaking

astonishingly impressive or beautiful

lenient

showing mercy or tolerance

treacherous

deceitful or dangerous

beset with dangers

surrounded by or troubled with risks

relinquish

to voluntarily give up control or possession

by one's standards

according to one's usual expectations or norms

know no bounds

to be limitless

overdue

past the expected or required time

cluttered with

filled with too many things in a disorderly way

besetting sin

a particular fault or failing that frequently affects someone

a spate of

a large number of similar events happening in a short time

graphic detail

extremely vivid or descriptive information