Describing people + Ready for C2

To scare someone out of their wits

to frighten someone extremely severely
The creaking floorboards and sudden drafts in the old house used to scare her out of her wits as a child, but now they felt like her grandmother's gentle footsteps

To be petrified

to be so extremely frightened that you become temporarily unable to move or act
She was petrified of the old cellar as a child, convinced that shadows moved with a will of their own

To feel a bit down in the dumps

to feel mildly sad, gloomy, or low-spirited, often without a clear or serious reason

After the relatives finally left, she felt a bit down in the dumps—not because she missed them, but because the silence felt strangely hollow

to feel somewhat despondent

to feel moderately low-spirited, dejected, or without hope, often after a disappointment or setback

To go apoplectic with rage

to become so extremely angry that you lose control, almost as if suffering a stroke; to be completely beside yourself with fury;

To go ballistic

to become extremely angry, often in a sudden and explosive way; to lose one's temper completely and react with fury

When the relatives realised the house was legally hers, they went ballistic—shouting, slamming doors, and threatening to appeal

To be chuffed to bits

to be extremely pleased, delighted, or proud about something

She was chuffed to bits when the surveyor confirmed the old house was structurally sound after all

To be visibly elated

to be clearly, noticeably, and openly filled with great joy, excitement, or triumph

to indulge in one's every whim at a moment's notice

to satisfy or give in to someone's every desire, impulse, or caprice immediately, without hesitation or delay

To be absolutely besotted with

to be completely, utterly infatuated or obsessed with someone or something; to be so captivated that you can think of little else

To feel completely repulsed by

to experience intense disgust, aversion, or revulsion toward someone or something

To be totally grossed out

to feel extremely disgusted, nauseated, or repelled by something unpleasant, dirty, or offensive

To be completely dumbfounded

to be so shocked, astonished, or bewildered that you are temporarily unable to speak or react

to be utterly flabbergasted

to be completely shocked, astonished, or dumbfounded, often to the point of being speechless

To be literally glued to

to be fixed or stuck to something, either physically or in a way that suggests absolute, unwavering attention

to be wholly engrossed in

to be completely absorbed, immersed, or occupied by something to the exclusion of all else

A vehicle for self-expression

a means, medium, or channel through which a person can express their thoughts, feelings, identity, or creativity

Viable alternatives

practical, realistic, or workable options that can be successfully used instead of the current plan, method, or situation

An unmitigated disaster

a complete and absolute failure, with no positive aspects or redeeming features; a situation that is entirely and catastrophically bad

To chart a way forward for

to plan or map out a clear course of action for the future, especially after a period of difficulty, confusion, or uncertainty

In turn

as a result of something; in sequence; one after another; or as a corresponding response to a previous action

The house gave her a sense of purpose, and she, in turn, gave it the care and attention it had been missing for decades

unassailable

impossible to defeat or criticise

despondent

feeling very sad and without hope

Inculpatory evidence

showing that someone is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing

A nasty piece of work

a person who is unpleasant, dishonest, or morally reprehensible; someone who causes harm or trouble

By the book

strictly following rules, regulations, or established procedures without deviation

To come out of one's shell

to become more confident, sociable, or expressive; to stop being shy or withdrawn

To live and breathe it

to be completely obsessed with or dedicated to something; to have it as the central focus of your life;

She lived and breathed the restoration of the house—every waking hour was spent planning, repairing, or researching its history.

Full of oneself

excessively proud, self-absorbed, or conceited; having an inflated sense of one's own importance

To get a chip on one's shoulder

to develop a persistent, often defensive attitude of resentment or inferiority, usually due to a perceived slight or injustice

To be a people person

to be sociable, outgoing, and skilled at interacting with others; to genuinely enjoy and excel in social situations

bequeathed

given to someone after death through a will

besmirched

to damage or harm someone's reputation, honour, or good name

To be cracked up to be

To be claimed or believed to be (a certain way).

hold out

to continue resisting or refuse to give up

A wet blanket

a person who spoils other people's fun or enthusiasm by being gloomy, pessimistic, or overly cautious

A go-getter

an ambitious, energetic, and determined person who pursues their goals with enthusiasm and drive

A party pooper

a person who ruins a happy or festive occasion by refusing to join in, being negative, or spoiling the mood

A people pleaser

a person who has a strong urge to make others happy, often at the expense of their own needs or boundaries

A high flyer

an ambitious, successful, and high-achieving person, especially in their career or field

A creature of habit

a person who prefers routine and familiarity

Impetuous

rash or impulsive (often negative)

Effusive

gives exaggerated expression of pleasure, praise or gratitude

Excitable

easily excited

Self-conscious

feeling undue awareness of oneself, one's appearance, or one's actions, often leading to awkwardness or nervousness

Pushy

excessively assertive, aggressive, or demanding in pursuing one's own aims

Taciturn

reserved or uncommunicative in speech (generally negative)

Diffident

modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

Aloof

not friendly or forthcoming

Haughty

arrogantly superior and disdainful; looking down on others

Disdainful

showing contempt or lack of respect

Unapproachable

not easy to talk to or get close to

Conceited

excessively proud of oneself

Self-important

having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or status

Gullible

easily persuaded to believe something

Conscientious

wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly; diligent and careful

Obstinate

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade

Pig-headed

obstinate and stubborn to the point of foolishness

People who make the cut

individuals who meet the required standard, qualifications, or expectations; those who are selected or approved after a process of evaluation

Eminent

(of a person) famous, respected, or distinguished within a particular field; standing out above others in rank, achievement, or reputation

Self-actualised

having reached one's full potential; fulfilled, emotionally mature, and living in alignment with one's true values and purpose

Fleeting

lasting for only a short time; passing quickly

Genesis

the origin, beginning, or point of creation of something

Resilience

the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties, adversity, or trauma

Hyper-connectivity

the state of being excessively connected, especially through digital devices and social media, often leading to overwhelm or reduced real-world interaction

Pertinent

directly relevant or applicable to a particular matter; to the point