2. the telegraph: covid19

dismiss

To reject or decide something is not important, true, or worth considering.

dismissed

Many scientists initially […] the lab-leak theory, believing it lacked evidence.

Meaning: rejected, did not take seriously

even then

Despite what has just been said; still, at that time.

even then

The weather was bad. […] , people went outside to enjoy the park.

Meaning: still, at that time

condescending

An adjective describing someone who talks or behaves as if they are better or more important than others.

condescending

He explained the issue in a […] tone, as if we couldn’t understand.

Meaning: showing superiority, talking down

engage with

To […….] [….] something

To actively participate in or pay attention to something.

engage with

The teacher asked students to [……] [….] the lesson.

Meaning: participate actively, pay attention

steer clear of

To [……] […...] [..] something

To avoid something carefully to stay away from trouble or problems.

steer clear of

The student tries to [……] […...] [..] difficult questions in class.

Meaning: avoid carefully

lest

Conjunction (like because) used to express fear something bad might happen; followed by base verb.

lest

He spoke quietly […] he wake the baby.

Meaning: to avoid waking, fear of waking

ostrich

A very large bird that cannot fly

ostrich act

Idiom

[……] […]

When ignoring or avoiding facing a difficult problem or reality.

ostrich

The government’s refusal to address the migration crisis was an obvious […] act.

Meaning: avoiding reality, ignoring problems

set out

to […] […] arguments/strategy/case

phrasal verb

To explain or present something clearly.

set out

She took time to […] […] her plan.

Meaning: explain clearly, present

set out the case for

To clearly explain reasons or arguments supporting something.

She […] […] the [….] […] the great replacement theory.

set out the case for

He […] […] the case for changing the law.

Meaning: explained arguments supporting

case for

A set of arguments or reasons supporting an idea or opinion.

He presented a [….] […] his theory.

to rock the boat

to [….] the [….]

Idiom

To do or say something that causes problems or disrupts a calm or stable situation.

rock the boat

He didn’t want to [….] the [….] by complaining.

Meaning: cause trouble, disrupt peace

widespread

Adjective: covering a large area or affecting many people

widespread

The storm caused [………..] damage.

Meaning: covering large area, affecting many

let alone

Most students couldn’t finish the test, […] [……] get a perfect score.

Meaning: Getting a perfect score was even harder than just finishing the test.

let alone

fixed expression

[…] [……]

Used to emphasize that something is even less possible than what was just mentioned.