English Vocabulary: Essential Collocations with Have, Break, Do, Take, and Make

This flashcard set covers essential English collocations and idiomatic expressions using the verbs have, break, do, take, and make as detailed in the lesson notes.

have an accident

To be involved in a collision or an unfortunate incident

have a sweet tooth

To have a strong liking for sweet foods

have a row

To have a loud argument or quarrel with someone

have no education

To lack formal schooling or training

have an effect on

To have an influence or impact on something or someone

have access to

To have the right, opportunity, or ability to use or enter something

have difficulty (in) doing something

To face problems or challenges while performing a certain task

break a habit

To stop doing something that has become a regular practice

break ground

To start a construction project or a new venture

break new/fresh ground

To create a breakthrough or explore a new direction

break the news

To inform someone about important or significant news for the first time

break the ice

To relieve social tension and start a conversation in an awkward situation

break the mould

To break a stereotype or established pattern by doing something differently

break a leg

An idiomatic expression used to wish someone good luck

break the spell

To end a state of enchantment, fascination, or attraction

do someone a good turn

To perform a helpful or kind act for someone

do wonders

To produce remarkably effective or positive results

do justice

To treat someone or something fairly or to demonstrate its true value

do your hair

To style or arrange hair

do research

To conduct a systematic investigation or study

take someone to court

To initiate legal action or a lawsuit against someone

take measures

To implement specific actions or steps to achieve a goal or solve a problem

take a gap year

To take a one-year break from schooling or work, often before university

take something/someone for granted

To fail to appreciate something or someone because they are always available or present

take the lead

To go ahead of others or take the initiative in a situation

take a cut in pay

To accept a reduction in salary

make fun of something/someone

To tease or ridicule someone or something

make a point of

To consider something very important and ensure it is done

make a commitment

To make a formal promise to provide or do something

make a break for it

To attempt to escape or run away quickly toward an exit

make a fool of oneself

To behave in a way that makes one look stupid or embarrassed

make a killing

To earn a large amount of money very quickly

make up for something

To compensate for a mistake, deficiency, or bad situation

make a contribution to something

To give money, time, or effort to help achieve a goal

make an impression

To have a strong impact on someone's opinion or feelings

make a success of something

To ensure that a project or activity becomes successful

make a habit of doing something

To start doing something so regularly that it becomes a habit