Preparing usage notes, please check back later
behind the scenes
US
UK
- Phrase
- Secretly or without being known to the public.
- In a position to influence events without any public knowledge.
A1Morebin
US /bɪn/
UK /bɪn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Type of container, usually for trash
- (computing) A directory containing executable programs.
- Transitive Verb
- To throw something away in the trash
B1Morebits and bobs
US /bɪts ənd bɑbz/
UK /bɪts ənd bɒbz/
- other
- Various small items or tasks.
B2Morebutton
US /ˈbʌtn/
UK /'bʌtn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Small round piece material used to fasten clothing
- Switch activated by pressing
- Transitive Verb
- To fasten e.g. a shirt, coat
- To suppress or restrain (feelings, etc.).
A2TOEICMorebutton up
US /ˈbʌtn ʌp/
UK /ˈbʌtən ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To fasten the buttons of a garment.
- To finish or complete something.
B1Moreclamp
US /klæmp/
UK /klæmp/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Something used to fasten two things together
- Transitive Verb
- To hold something tight so it cannot move
B2Moreclank
US /klæŋk/
UK /klæŋk/
- Intransitive Verb
- To make a short loud sound by a metal object
C1Morecluttered
US /ˈklʌtərd/
UK /ˈklʌtəd/
- Transitive Verb
- To fill with disorderly mess of things
- Adjective
- Covered with or full of an untidy collection of things.
B2Morecolander
US /ˈkʌləndɚ, ˈkɑl-/
UK /'kʌləndə(r)/
- Noun
- Bowl-shaped strainer used to wash or drain foods
C1TOEICMorecollar
US /ˈkɑlɚ/
UK /'kɒlə(r)/
- Noun
- Band put around the neck of an animal
- Neck part of a shirt, coat etc.
- Transitive Verb
- To catch and hold someone so you can talk to them
- To seize or arrest (someone).
B1Morecompartment
US /kəmˈpɑ:rtmənt/
UK /kəmˈpɑ:tmənt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Enclosed part used to hold particular thing
- A section of seats in a closed area in a train
B1Morecupboard
US /ˈkʌbərd/
UK /ˈkʌbəd/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Piece of furniture used for storage
- The contents of a cupboard, especially food supplies.
A2Moredeal with
US /dil wɪð/
UK /di:l wið/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To buy or sell goods or services.
- Phrasal Verb
- To take action to solve a problem or manage a situation.
- To be about; concern.
A1Moredrawer
US /ˈdrɔɚ/
UK /drɔ:(r)/
- Countable Noun
- Sliding box of a desk, closet used to store things
- An undergarment covering the lower part of the body and having two holes for the legs.
B1Moredust
US /dʌst/
UK /dʌst/
- Transitive Verb
- To apply a fine powder to, e.g. sugar to a cake
- To wipe something to remove dirt
- Uncountable Noun
- Fine dry powder that builds up on surfaces
A2Moreelbow
US /ˈɛlˌbo/
UK /'elbəʊ/
- Noun
- Middle part of the arm, which bends
- Transitive Verb
- To push another person with the side of your arm
B2Moreextension
US /ɪkˈstɛnʃən/
UK /ɪkˈstenʃn/
- Noun
- Addition to something, e.g. a house
- Suffix code of a computer file, e.g. .pdf, .jpg
- Adjective
- Adding extra length
B1TOEICMorefeather
US /ˈfɛðɚ/
UK /ˈfeðə(r)/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- One of the many light soft things on a bird's body
- Intransitive Verb
- To grow feathers
B1Morefoam
US /foʊm/
UK /fəʊm/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Mix of a liquid and air to form a mass of bubbles
- A lightweight material made of a mass of small bubbles, used for insulation or padding.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To mix air and liquid to form a mass of bubbles
- To show anger or excitement in an uncontrolled way.
B1Morefold
US /fold/
UK /fəʊld/
- Transitive Verb
- To bend one part of something against another
- (Of business) to fail or close down
- Countable Noun
- Pen where sheep are kept
- Group of people who have a common belief
B1TOEICMorefor the main
US /fɚ ðə meɪn/
UK /fə ðə meɪn/
- other
- Intended for the primary or main person or thing.
C2Morefor your information
US
UK
- Phrase
- Used to introduce a piece of information, often when disagreeing or correcting someone.
A1Moreget back to
US /ɡɛt bæk tu/
UK /ɡet bæk tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To get in contact with someone again
- To return to someone or something; to respond at a later time.
A1Moreget out of
US /ɡɛt aʊt ʌv/
UK /ɡet aut ɔv/
- Phrasal Verb
- To leave or escape responsibilities, troubles
- To leave a small, enclosed vehicle
A1Moregrate
US /ɡret/
UK /ɡreɪt/
- Transitive Verb
- To shred food into very small pieces
- Intransitive Verb
- To be unpleasantly harsh or annoying
B2Moregrease
US /ɡris/
UK /gri:s/
- Uncountable Noun
- Liquid or melted fat from animals used for cooking
- Thick gel used to lubricate a machine
- Transitive Verb
- To use grease to lubricate a machine
B2Morehandle
US /ˈhændl/
UK /'hændl/
- Transitive Verb
- To cope with or take responsibility for
- To control a machine, car etc.
- Countable Noun
- The part of a door you hold to open it
- Thing you hold to carry or open a bag, pan etc.
A2TOEICMorehang
US /hæŋ/
UK /hæŋ/
- Transitive Verb
- To attach a picture, photograph etc. onto a wall
- To kill by putting a rope around neck and dropping
- Intransitive Verb
- To float, move softly, or remain in the air
- To remain undecided, unsolved or unclear
A2Morehob
US /hɑ:b/
UK /hɒb/
- Noun
- Hard steel edge tool used to cut gears
C1Moreinside of
US /ɪnˈsaɪd ʌv/
UK /inˈsaid ɔv/
- Preposition
- Within; in the inner part of.
- Within a certain period of time.
A1Morelabel
US /ˈlebəl/
UK /'leɪbl/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A (luxury) brand owned by a company
- A word or term used to describe a person, thing
- Transitive Verb
- To use a term to describe, often negatively
- To attach material to identify something
A2Moreladle
US /ˈledl:/
UK /ˈleɪdl/
- Countable Noun
- Large spoon with deep bowl for serving e.g. soup
- Transitive Verb
- To put liquid from a pan into a bowl with a ladle
C1Morelaundry
US /ˈlɔndri, ˈlɑn-/
UK /'lɔ:ndrɪ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Business or room to wash bed sheets, clothes etc.
- Clothes etc., that are to be washed, already washed
B2Morelid
US /lɪd/
UK /lɪd/
- Countable Noun
- Cover that can be lifted or removed, as on bottles
B1Morelift up
US /lɪft ʌp/
UK /lift ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To raise something to a higher position.
- To improve someone's mood or spirits; to encourage.
long weekend
US
UK
- Noun
- An extended weekend that includes an extra day off, such as a public holiday.
A1Morelook at
US /lʊk æt/
UK /luk æt/
- Phrasal Verb
- To use your eyes to focus on something
- To focus your eyes on something carefully
A1Moremattress
US /ˈmætrɪs/
UK /'mætrəs/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Thick soft part of a bed that you lie on
- The material or construction of a mattress.
B2Moremess
US /mɛs/
UK /mes/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Something that is untidy, dirty or unclean
- A difficult or confused situation.
- Transitive Verb
- To make something untidy or dirty
A2Moremessy
US /ˈmɛsi/
UK /'mesɪ/
- Adjective
- Being complex or difficult to fix
- Being untidy or dirty
A2Moremug
US /mʌɡ/
UK /mʌɡ/
- Countable Noun
- Large ceramic drinking cup with a handle
- Transitive Verb
- To attack someone to rob them
B1Moremustard
US /ˈmʌstərd/
UK /ˈmʌstəd/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Spicy yellow or brown condiment used to add flavor
B2Morenap
US /næp/
UK /næp/
- Intransitive Verb
- To sleep or rest for a short time during the day
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Brief period of sleep or rest during the day
B2Moreon special
US /ɑn ˈspɛʃəl/
UK /ɒn ˈspeʃəl/
- other
- Available for sale at a reduced price.
A2Moreon the tap
US /ɑn ðə tæp/
UK /ɒn ðə tæp/
- other
- Available for use or supply at any time.
B1Moreout of sight, out of mind
US /aʊt əv saɪt aʊt əv maɪnd/
UK /aut əv saɪt aut əv maɪnd/
- Proverb
- People forget things or people when not seen regularly.
B1Moreout of the way
US /aʊt ʌv ði we/
UK /aut ɔv ðə wei/
- Adjective
- Remote; isolated.
- No longer obstructing or hindering.
- Phrase
- Not obstructing or impeding progress; in a position where one does not cause an obstruction.
- Completed; finished; no longer needing attention.
B1Moreout there
US /aʊt ðɛr/
UK /aut ðɛə/
- Adverb
- In or to a place that is far away
- Existing in the universe
- Adjective
- Unconventional; strange; avant-garde
- Existing or available.
A1Morepattern
US /ˈpætən/
UK /'pætn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Model to follow in making or doing something
- Colors or shapes which are repeated on objects
- Transitive Verb
- To copy the way something else is made
- To decorate with a pattern.
A2TOEICMorepick it up
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To lift something from a surface.
- To collect something or someone.
A2Morepile
US /paɪl/
UK /paɪl/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Large amount of something
- Group of things one on top of another
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- (E.g. of problems) to increase; get more or worse
- To place things on top of each other; to heap up.
B1TOEICMorepillow
US /ˈpɪlo/
UK /'pɪləʊ/
- Countable Noun
- Soft cushion for your head on a bed/while sleeping
- A cushion used as decoration.
- Uncountable Noun
- Something used to provide support or cushioning.
B1Morepillowcase
US /ˈpɪloʊkeɪs/
UK /ˈpɪləʊkeɪs/
- Countable Noun
- Cover for a pillow, usually made of cotton
C2Moreplug
US /plʌɡ/
UK /plʌg/
- Noun
- Wood, rubber or metal used to block a hole
- Thing on a wire to connect to electricity supply
- Transitive Verb
- To use an object to block a hole
- To promote or advertise a product
B1TOEICMorepod
US /pɑ:d/
UK /pɒd/
- Countable Noun
- Seed container that grows on plants
B2Morepolka
US /ˈpoʊlkə/
UK /ˈpɒlkə/
- Noun
- Couples' dance with steps and a hop in fast time
C2Morepolka dot
US
UK
- Noun
- A pattern consisting of round dots.
pot
US /pɑt/
UK /pɒt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Container designed to hold or store something
- Deep, round container that is used for cooking
- Transitive Verb
- To plant something in a container filled with soil
- To hit a ball into a table pocket in snooker
A2Moreput it away
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To return something to its proper location; to tidy up.
- To save something, especially money, for future use.
A1Moreput it down
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To place something on a surface.
- To write something down.
A1Morerinse off
US /rɪns ɔf/
UK /rɪns ɒf/
- other
- To clean something by washing water over it.
B2Morescrunch up
US /skrʌntʃ ʌp/
UK /skrʌntʃ ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To squeeze or crumple into a compact mass.
- To contract or wrinkle (one's face or features).
sheet
US /ʃit/
UK /ʃi:t/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Piece of cloth you put on the bed to sleep on
- Piece of thin flat metal, plastic or glass
A2Moresieve
US /sɪv/
UK /sɪv/
- Noun
- Device with fine mesh to filter out liquids
- Transitive Verb
- To push food through fine mesh to remove pips, etc.
C1Moresink
US /sɪŋk/
UK /sɪŋk/
- Transitive Verb
- To push something down into the ground
- To dig (a well)
- Countable Noun
- Large bowl in a kitchen or washroom for washing
A2TOEICMoresocket
US /ˈsɑkɪt/
UK /'sɒkɪt/
- Noun
- Area into which (e.g. a bone) will fit
- Point in the wall to plug in an electrical device
B2Moresponge
US /spʌndʒ/
UK /spʌndʒ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Soft cleaning material able to absorb water
- Sea animal whose bodies are used for bath sponges
- Transitive Verb
- To wash the surface of something with a sponge
B1TOEICMorestop working
US
UK
- Phrase
- To cease performing a task or function; to become non-operational.
A1Moresuitcase
US /ˈsutˌkes/
UK /ˈsu:tkeɪs/
- Countable Noun
- Container for carrying clothes when traveling
B2TOEICMoresurface
US /ˈsɚfəs/
UK /'sɜ:fɪs/
- Transitive Verb
- To give (road) a top layer
- Intransitive Verb
- To appear after being hidden, unseen, or unknown
- To come to the top of something; emerge
A2TOEICMoretake off
US /tek ɔf/
UK /teik ɔf/
- Phrasal Verb
- To remove, e.g. your clothes
- To make arrangements to be absent from work
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To remove (an item of clothing).
- To depart; to leave.
A1Moretangle
US /ˈtæŋɡəl/
UK /ˈtæŋgl/
- Transitive Verb
- To involve in troubles that are hard to escape
- Intransitive Verb
- (Of string, etc.) to be knotted up and hard to undo
B2Moretap
US /tæp/
UK /tæp/
- Transitive Verb
- To access a liquid (e.g. in a tree) through a hole
- To spy one someone electronically
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Faucet; the place you can get water from a pipe
- Light hit, generally one that makes a sound
A2Moretear off
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To remove something quickly and forcefully by pulling it
A2Morethink about
US /θɪŋk əˈbaʊt/
UK /θiŋk əˈbaut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To consider something carefully.
- To remember or call to mind.
A1Moretidy up
US /ˈtaɪdi ʌp/
UK /ˈtaidi ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To clean up your room
- To improve the appearance of something, often to make it more acceptable or appealing.
A1Moretong
US /tɒŋ/
UK /tɒŋ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Chinese secret society or fraternal organization
- Device with two prongs to pick up (e.g. hot) thing
C2Moretoothpaste
US /ˈtuθˌpest/
UK /ˈtu:θpeɪst/
- Uncountable Noun
- A paste used for cleaning teeth
- A tube containing paste used for cleaning the teeth.
B2Moreturn off
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To make someone feel negatively about something
A1Moreturn on
US /tɚn ɑn/
UK /tə:n ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To cause someone to be interested or excited
- Transitive Verb
- To activate or switch on a device or appliance.
- To suddenly attack or criticize someone.
A1Moreused to
US /juzd tu/
UK /ˈju:st tə/
- Adjective
- Did regularly before, but don't do now
- Auxiliary Verb
- Have done before, but do not do now
A1Morewake up
US /wek ʌp/
UK /weik ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To stop sleeping
- To become fully aware and alert to a situation.
A1Morewardrobe
US /ˈwɔ:rdroʊb/
UK /ˈwɔ:drəʊb/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Stock of clothes belonging to a person
B1Morewhisk
US /hwɪsk, wɪsk/
UK /wɪsk/
- Transitive Verb
- To beat egg, etc. to add air and make it light
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A kitchen tool for beating food such as eggs to add air and make it light
B2Morewipe
US /waɪp/
UK /waɪp/
- Transitive Verb
- To clean or dry something with a cloth
- To spread a liquid on something
- Noun
- Act to clean or dry something with a cloth
A2Morewipe down
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To clean a surface by wiping it with a cloth.
A1Morework in
US /wɚk ɪn/
UK /wə:k in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To make an opening for something in your schedule
- To fit person/thing into a schedule or sequence
A1More
