HP 2 - Chapter 13

a flurry of rumour

a sudden, short period of intense activity where many rumors or unofficial stories are quickly being spread

to spare sb sth (be spared doing sth)

to prevent someone from having to experience something unpleasant or difficult, such as pain, embarrassment, or gruesome details

a lookout post

a strategic, often elevated place or building where a guard or sentry keeps watch to spot danger or enemies

Come off it!

an informal expression used to tell someone that you do not believe them or that they are being ridiculous or silly

to pocket sth

to take something for one's own use, often dishonestly or unlawfully, like stealing money or profits

an arrested look

a facial expression that shows sudden, intense surprise or shock, causing the person to momentarily stop what they are doing

to last a lifetime

to endure or remain for the entire duration of a person's life; often used idiomatically to mean one has had enough of something

in no time

very quickly or very soon; almost instantaneously

to lose one's nerve

to suddenly lose the courage or confidence needed to do something difficult or dangerous

to come down hard on sb

to punish or criticize someone severely for something they have done wrong

a commotion

a state of confused and noisy disturbance, often involving excitement or trouble

to come by sth

to obtain or manage to get something, especially something that is hard to find or acquire

to keep one's mouth shut

to not say anything about a specific subject, often to keep a secret or avoid trouble

to take one's word for it

to believe what someone says without needing further proof or evidence

to butt in

to interrupt a conversation or activity rudely or without being asked

to do some thinking

to spend a period of time carefully considering or reflecting on something

in hot pursuit

following someone very closely and quickly, usually in an attempt to catch them