Idiomatic Expressions and Vocabulary

This set of flashcards covers idiomatic expressions and vocabulary from the lecture notes, helping with understanding and recall of key terms and their meanings.

What does it mean to 'be in a mood'?

To not be friendly to other people because you are feeling angry.

What does it mean to 'be in a minority of one'?

To be the only person who has a particular opinion.

What does 'shut someone away' mean?

To put a person in a place that they are not allowed or able to leave.

What does 'be in a dither' refer to?

To be very nervous, excited, or confused.

What does it mean to 'be in a different league'?

To be much better than something or someone else.

What does 'can't hold a candle to' mean?

To not be as good as something.

What does 'be in a different class' indicate?

To be the best or much better than other people at a particular activity.

What does 'be in a class of your own' imply?

To be the best at a particular activity.

What does 'be in a bad way' mean?

To be ill, unhappy, or in a bad state.

What does 'be in a (pretty) pickle' signify?

To be in a difficult situation.

What does it mean to 'come up against a brick wall'?

To be unable to make more progress with a plan or discussion because someone is stopping you.

What does 'be climbing the walls with something' mean?

To suffer unpleasant feelings, such as worry, in an extreme way.

What does 'be for the high jump' mean?

To be going to be punished for something you have done wrong.

What does 'be/get bogged down' imply?

To be/become so involved in something difficult or complicated that you cannot do anything else.

What does 'cordon (something) off' mean?

To stop people from getting into an area by surrounding it with police, soldiers, etc.

What does 'arse about/around' indicate?

To act in a silly way or waste time.

What does 'remonstrate' mean?

To complain to someone or about something.

What does 'lumber' refer to?

To move slowly and awkwardly.

What does 'refute' mean?

To say or prove that a person, statement, opinion, etc. is wrong or false.

What does 'burst someone's bubble' signify?

To show someone that their beliefs are false, or that what they want to happen will not happen.

What is a 'scuffle'?

A short and sudden fight, especially one involving a small number of people.

What does 'get ahold of something' mean?

To find or communicate with someone.

What does 'attest to something' involve?

To show, say, or prove that something exists or is true.

What does 'pernicious' mean?

Having a very harmful effect or influence.

What does 'inimically' refer to?

In a way that is harmful or very unfriendly.

What is a 'commodity'?

A substance or product that can be traded, bought, or sold.

What does 'immutable' mean?

Not changing or unable to be changed.

What does 'incisive' refer to?

Showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important.

What does 'be a far cry from something' mean?

To be completely different from something.

What is a 'layperson'?

Someone who is not an expert in or does not have a detailed knowledge of a particular subject.

What does 'readily' imply?

Quickly, immediately, willingly, or without any problem.

What does 'debunk' mean?

To show that something is less important, less good, or less true than it has been made to appear.

What is 'altruism'?

Willingness to do things that bring advantages to others, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself.

What does 'hardy' mean?

Strong enough to bear extreme conditions or difficult situations.

What does 'slog' mean?

To work hard over a long period, especially doing difficult or boring work.

What does 'frantic' refer to?

Done quickly and with a lot of activity, but in a way that is not well organized.

What does 'supersede' mean?

To replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned.

What does 'din something into someone' imply?

To say something forcefully and repeatedly to someone so that they remember it.

What does 'thrust something on/upon someone' mean?

To force someone to accept or deal with something.

What is a 'crusade'?

A long and determined attempt to achieve, change, or stop something because of strong beliefs.

What does 'denigrate' mean?

To say that someone or something is not good or important.

What does 'bound up (with something)' refer to?

Be closely connected to or involved with something.

What does 'be integral (to something)' mean?

Be necessary and important as a part of a whole.

What does 'formulate' mean?

To create or prepare something carefully, giving particular attention to the details.

What does 'fallible' imply?

Able or likely to make mistakes.

What does 'pluck up (the/your) courage to do something' mean?

To force yourself to be brave enough to do something, despite being frightened or worried.