English Vocabulary and Expressions Review

A comprehensive vocabulary flashcard deck based on academic terminology, natural spoken expressions, and colloquial idioms from the lecture transcript.

curry favour with sb

A fixed idiom meaning to try to flatter or please someone, especially a person of high status, in order to gain an advantage or climb socially.

climb the social ladder

To try to move up into a higher social class or status group.

collate

A verb meaning to gather multiple sets of information, data, or specimens together to compare, verify, and merge them item by item.

speculation

Academic conjecture or forming hypotheses without complete or definitive evidence, which can turn out to be correct or incorrect.

scarce

An adjective describing something that is insufficient, rare, or hard to find, such as limited fossil evidence.

definitive

An adjective meaning conclusive, decisive, or providing a final and certain answer.

underlying meaning

The essential, fundamental idea or concept hidden beneath the surface of a statement or set of information.

unsolicited

Given, offered, or sent voluntarily without being requested or asked for, often carrying a slightly negative nuance like uninvited messages.

unprompted

Spontaneous and neutral in tone; done voluntarily without any encouragement, reminder, or prompt from others.

delineate

A transitive verb meaning to describe, outline, or clearly mark out boundaries, differences, or patterns.

well versed

An academic adjective phrase meaning highly experienced, knowledgeable, or proficient in a particular subject.

tantalize

To torment or tease someone by showing them something desirable while keeping it frustratingly out of reach, originating from the Greek myth of Tantalus.

chaotic

An informal adjective used to describe someone whose thoughts, output, or behavior are disorganized, random, or unpredictable.

unhinged

An adjective describing someone whose behavior or mental state seems out of control, wild, or erratic.

headspace

An informal noun referring to a person's mental condition, state of mind, or mood.

vanish into thin air

A phrase meaning to disappear completely without leaving any trace or clue behind.

wear sb out

A phrasal verb meaning to exhaust, tire, or drain all energy from someone.

get sb stirred up

To make someone feel excited, emotionally moved, agitated, or tense.

work away

To continue working continuously, diligently, and uninterruptedly on a task.

cracking

In British slang, an adjective meaning excellent, splendid, or great; as a verb form, describing something that is forming cracks.

claim seniority

To assert a higher age, generation, or rank over someone else to take advantage or demand respect.

get one over on sb

To gain a small advantage over someone, often in a clever, playful, or sly way.

worked up

An adjective phrase describing a state of gradual emotional agitation, tension, anxiety, or excitement.

freak out

A verb phrase meaning to experience a sudden burst of extreme fear, panic, or emotional breakdown.

piss sb off

An informal or mild swear phrase meaning to irritate, anger, or infuriate someone.

frown upon

A verb phrase meaning to disapprove of something or view it with disapproval and objection.

lead sb astray

A phrase using 'astray' as an adverb, meaning to guide or influence someone into error or bad behavior.

whereabouts

A noun written as a single word referring to the location or place where a person or thing is.

blunder

A stupid, careless, or foolish mistake caused by poor judgment or lack of thought, often with costly or embarrassing consequences.

binge

To engage in an activity, such as watching a TV series, intensely and concentratedly within a short window of time.

tie up

To occupy or absorb someone's time or energy so that they cannot do other things, or to physically bind someone.

tie down

To restrict or constrain someone's freedom, choices, or personal growth emotionally or socially.