Advanced Phrases for Speaking & Writing

to hold a mirror up to (society)

Definition:
To show honestly what something is like, especially its problems.

Context gap:
Good satire __________ society and shows us our own flaws.

Translation:
to hold a mirror up to (society) — отражать общество как в зеркале

a feast for the senses

Definition:
Something very pleasing to see, taste, smell or hear.

Context gap:
The street market was __________ of colours, smells and sounds.

Translation:
a feast for the senses — праздник для всех органов чувств

to seize the opportunity (to do sth)

Definition:
To take advantage of a chance quickly and eagerly.

Context gap:
When she was offered a scholarship, she __________ to study abroad.

Common collocations:
• seize the opportunity / chance — ухватиться за возможность
• seize the moment — не упустить момент

Translation:
to seize the opportunity — использовать возможность

a safe space (to do sth)

Definition:
A place where you feel free to be yourself and are not judged.

Context gap:
A good teacher creates __________ to make mistakes.

Common collocations:
• create a safe space — создать безопасное пространство

Translation:
a safe space — безопасное пространство

to put your own spin on (sth)

Definition:
To give something your own personal style or interpretation.

Context gap:
The chef __________ the traditional recipe by adding mango.

Translation:
to put your own spin on (sth) — добавить свою изюминку

(sth) at its best

Definition:
In its best or most impressive form.

Context gap:
This film is Hollywood __________.

Common collocations:
• at its best — в лучшем виде

Translation:
(sth) at its best — в лучшем своём проявлении

let alone

Definition:
Used to say that something is even less possible than what was just mentioned.

Context gap:
I can't afford a bike, __________ a car.

Other contexts:
• He can't boil an egg, let alone cook a dinner.

Translation: let alone — не говоря уже о

worthy

Definition:
Deserving respect or support.

Context gap:
Volunteering at an animal shelter is __________.

Common collocations:
• a worthy cause — достойное дело

Translation:
a worthy (cause / activity) — достойное дело / занятие

an immersive experience

Definition:
An experience that involves you completely, as if you were inside it.

Context gap:
Virtual reality museums offer __________.

Common collocations:
• fully immersive — полностью погружающий

Translation:
an immersive experience — опыт полного погружения

open-minded

Definition:
Willing to consider new ideas and opinions.

Context gap:
Travelling makes you more __________.

Common collocations:
• an open-minded attitude — непредвзятое отношение

Translation:
open-minded — непредвзятый, открытый новому

insight into (sth)

Definition:
A deep and clear understanding of something.

Context gap:
The documentary gave me a fascinating __________ life in North Korea.

Common collocations:
• gain / give insight into — получить / дать представление о
• valuable insight — ценное понимание

Translation:
insight into (sth) — понимание, глубокое представление о чём-либо

to alter your perception (of sth)

Definition:
To change the way you see or understand something.

Context gap:
Living abroad can __________ your own country.

Common collocations:
• change / alter perception — изменить восприятие

Translation:
to alter your perception — изменить ваше восприятие

to bring (sth) to life

Definition:
To make something feel real, exciting or interesting.

Context gap:
The actor __________ a historical character.

Translation:
to bring (sth) to life — оживить, сделать живым

to fill someone with (joy / pride / emotion)

Definition:
To make someone feel a strong emotion.

Context gap:
Watching her daughter graduate __________ pride.

Common collocations:
• fill someone with joy / pride — наполнить радостью / гордостью

Translation:
to fill someone with (joy / pride) — наполнить кого-то (радостью / гордостью)

to get carried away (on a tide of sth)

Definition:
To become so excited that you lose control or go too far. "On a tide of" means swept along by a strong wave of enthusiasm.

Context gap:
He __________ and spent all his savings on tickets.

Common collocations:
• get carried away — увлечься, зайти слишком далеко

Translation:
to get carried away — увлечься, потерять меру