English Collocations, Idioms, and Legal Terminology

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering idiomatic expressions with 'put' and 'on', criminal justice system terminology, time-related idioms, and verbs of movement.

put in an appearance

Attend a social function for a short time because one feels an obligation to do so.

put paid to

Stop, ruin, spoil; bring something to an end.

not to put too fine a point on it

Speak plainly and honestly.

put into force / effect

Cause something such as a law to be active and obeyed.

put it mildly

Used when describing something less forcefully than one could do.

put sb in their (proper) place

Correct or criticise someone who has become overconfident.

put sb at their ease

Make someone feel comfortable.

put sb on their guard

Warn someone about an attack, a surprise, or a mistake.

put sb/sth to shame

Be superior to someone or something; make someone or something look inferior by comparison.

put one's foot down

Be very firm in opposing something.

put a foot wrong

Make a mistake.

put a (great) strain on sth

Cause stress or difficulties.

put one's back into sth

Work very hard at a job.

on the understanding that

On condition that.

on the off-chance of / that

With a slight possibility.

on / under penalty of

With the threat of a specified punishment.

on sb's terms

With conditions set by the person.

on (further) reflection

After careful consideration.

on the grounds that

For the reason that.

on one's own initiative

Without being told what to do.

on second thoughts

After reconsidering something.

fair trial

Trial in which the accused is guaranteed due process and fair and just treatment.

(in the) dock

Place in the court of law where the accused/prisoner stands.

the prosecution

Lawyers who work on the side of the state, and therefore the law, in court.

defence lawyer

Lawyer responsible for defending the accused person.

exhibit

Piece of evidence used in a court trial.

testimony

Statements of a witness in a court of law.

reasonable doubt

Sufficient reason to believe that the accused may not be guilty.

acquit

Find innocent.

convict

Officially declare someone guilty of a crime.

bring sb to book

Hold someone accountable or punish them for their crimes.

bring sth to light

Reveal, discover, or make something known.

a case of mistaken identity

A situation where an individual is incorrectly identified as someone else.

make off with sth

Steal or carry something away and escape.

the jury's still out (on)

A decision or conclusion has not yet been reached; still in dispute.

tip the scales

Shift the balance or alter a situation in favor of one side.

bide one's time

Wait patiently for a good opportunity.

be pressed for time

Be short of time.

for the time being

For a short period.

it's about time

Something should have already happened.

a lean period

A time without work or money.

on the spur of the moment

On impulse, without thinking.

at a moment's notice

Quickly, without any warning.

call it a day

Stop work.

trudge

Walk slowly or with difficulty, typically when tired.

plod

Walk slowly with heavy steps or difficulty.

totter

Walk unsteadily; rock or shake as if about to fall.

make one's flesh creep / crawl

Make someone feel afraid or disgusted.

crawl at a snail's pace

Move very slowly.

take sth in one's stride

Deal with difficulties calmly.

stumble upon (on / across)

Find something by chance.