Preparing usage notes, please check back later
against all odds
US
UK
- Phrase
- Despite having very little chance of succeeding.
A2Morealive
US /əˈlaɪv/
UK /ə'laɪv/
- Adjective
- Living; not dead
- Active; energetic; full of life.
A2TOEICMoreall along
US /ɔl əˈlɔŋ/
UK /ɔ:l əˈlɔŋ/
- Adverb
- From the beginning; all the time.
- Phrase
- In a line parallel to something long.
A2Moreapocalypse
US /əˈpɑkəˌlɪps/
UK /əˈpɒkəlɪps/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Great disaster; complete destruction
- A disclosure of something hidden from the majority of mankind.
B2Moreas opposed to
US
UK
- Preposition
- In contrast to; rather than.
- Instead of; in place of.
A1Moreat first sight
US /æt fɚst saɪt/
UK /æt fə:st sait/
- Phrase
- Immediately on seeing someone or something for the first time; based on a first impression.
A1Moreat home
US /æt hom/
UK /æt həum/
- Phrase
- In one's own residence or country.
- Adjective
- Feeling comfortable and relaxed.
at the same time
US
UK
- Phrase
- Simultaneously; at the identical moment.
- Nevertheless; however; used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement.
A1Moreback in the day
US
UK
- Phrase
- In the past; in former times.
- Referring to a past time, often with a sense of nostalgia or fondness.
A1Morebased on
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To use something as the foundation or starting point for something else.
- Preposition
- Using something as the main idea or foundation.
- Relying on something as evidence or justification.
A1Morebeast
US /bist/
UK /bi:st/
- Noun
- Ugly or terrifying animal
B1Morebuild out
US /bɪld aʊt/
UK /bild aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To expand or develop something, such as a business or system.
- To construct or develop infrastructure, often related to technology or networks.
A1Morebunker
US /ˈbʌŋkɚ/
UK /ˈbʌŋkə(r)/
- Noun
- Section of a golf course that contains sand
B2Morebuy up
US /baɪ ʌp/
UK /bai ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To buy all of something for sale
A1Morecare of
US /kɛr ʌv/
UK /kɛə ɔv/
- Preposition
- Used in an address to indicate the person who will receive the mail for someone else.
A2Morecharacter
US /ˈkærəktɚ/
UK /'kærəktə(r)/
- Noun
- Person in a story, movie or play
- Writing symbols, e.g. alphabet or Chinese writing
A2Morecling to
US /klɪŋ tu/
UK /kliŋ tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To hold onto something tightly, often for support or safety.
- To adhere strongly to a belief, idea, or principle, even when it may be difficult or unpopular.
C2Moreclue
US /klu/
UK /klu:/
- Noun
- Information that helps explain something; hint
B1Morecome back
US /kʌm bæk/
UK /kʌm bæk/
- Phrasal Verb
- To reply to someone, often forcefully
- To be remembered
A1Moredeal 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.
A1Moredo in
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To make completely tired out and exhausted
- To destroy or cause damage to someone
A1Moredo over
US /du ˈovɚ/
UK /du: ˈəuvə/
- Phrasal Verb
- To repeat an action; do something again
A1Moreemmy
US /ˈɛmi/
UK /ˈemi/
- Proper Noun
- Annual award for achievements in US TV
C1Moreemotional
US /ɪˈmoʃənəl/
UK /ɪˈməʊʃənl/
- Adjective
- Causing, feeling, or appealing to the emotions
- Relating to or characterized by emotion
A2Moreepisode
US /ˈɛpɪˌsod/
UK /'epɪsəʊd/
- Noun
- One separate event in a series of events
- Show which is part of a larger story
B1TOEICMoreescape
US /ɪˈskep/
UK /ɪ'skeɪp/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Act to briefly ignoring boring or bad things
- The 'esc key' on a keyboard
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To avoid something undesirable, dangerous or bad
- To get away from a place where you are being kept
A2Morefan
US /fæn/
UK /fæn/
- Transitive Verb
- To blow air upon a fire to make it stronger
- To use a device to cool yourself, something
- Countable Noun
- Thing you wave in front of your face to stay cool
- Someone who admires a famous person, sport etc.
A2Morefantasy
US /ˈfæntəsi, -zi/
UK /'fæntəsɪ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Something imagined and very different from reality
- Work of literature set in an unreal world
B1Morefigure out
US /ˈfɪɡjɚ aʊt/
UK /ˈfiɡə aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To understand the behavior of someone
- To think through logically to find a solution
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To understand or find an answer to something.
- To find a solution to a problem or understand something.
A1Morefind out about
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To look for information to learn about it
A1Morefor all intents and purposes
US /fɚ ɔl ɪnˈtɛnts ænd ˈpɚpəsɪz/
UK /fə ɔ:l ɪnˈtents ənd ˈpɜ:pəsɪz/
- other
- In every practical sense; effectively.
B2Morefor example
US
UK
- Phrase
- As an illustration or instance.
for my money
US /fɔr maɪ ˈmʌni/
UK /fɔ: mai ˈmʌni/
- Phrase
- In my opinion; according to my judgment.
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 through
US /ɡɛt θru/
UK /ɡet θru:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To arrive at the end of or finish something
- To succeed in contacting someone by phone
A1Moreget together
US /ɡɛt təˈɡɛðɚ/
UK /ɡet təˈɡeðə/
- Phrasal Verb
- To gather, or come together for some purpose
- To start a romantic relationship.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To meet for social or recreational purposes.
- To start a romantic relationship.
A1Moregive up
US /ɡɪv ʌp/
UK /ɡiv ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To lose hope or admit defeat
- To decide to not start to try solving a problem
A1Morego on
US /ɡo ɑn/
UK /ɡəu ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue doing something
- To happen (usually negative)
- Interjection
- Used to encourage someone
A1Morego out
US /ɡo aʊt/
UK /ɡəu aut/
- Phrase
- To leave a building (e.g. a house)
- Phrasal Verb
- (Of a fire) to burn out; be extinguished
- Go out of fashion to stop being fashionable
A1Moregoing on
US /ˈɡoɪŋ ɑn/
UK /ˈgəʊɪŋ ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue doing something
- To happen (usually negative)
A1Moregood person
US
UK
- Noun
- A morally upright and kind individual.
- A person who is skilled or competent in a particular area.
A1Moregot to
US /ɡɑt tu/
UK /gɔt tu:/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To arrive at some place
- To have the opportunity or permission to do something
- Phrasal Verb
- To appeal to the emotions of; move
- To finally begin to start something after a delay
A1Moregrow up
US /ɡro ʌp/
UK /ɡrəu ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To develop from a child into an adult
A1Morehang out
US /hæŋ aʊt/
UK /hæŋ aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To spend time with your friends
- To spend times with friends or relax doing nothing
A2Morehave a go
US /hæv e ɡo/
UK /hæv ə ɡəu/
- Intransitive Verb
- To attempt or try something.
A1Morehave to
US /hæv tu/
UK /ˈhæv tə/
- Auxiliary Verb
- Must do
A1Morehold on
US /hold ɑn/
UK /həuld ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To wait for someone (e.g. on a phone call)
- To wait for a short time.
A1Moreiconic
US /aɪˈkɑnɪk/
UK /aɪˈkɒnɪk/
- Adjective
- Being widely recognized as a symbol of something
B1Morein a box
US /ɪn ə bɑks/
UK /ɪn ə bɒks/
- other
- Contained or confined inside a box or small space.
B2Morein good hands
US
UK
- Phrase
- Under the care and protection of someone competent and trustworthy.
A1Morein its totality
US /ɪn ɪts toʊˈtælɪti/
UK /ɪn ɪts təuˈtælɪti/
- other
- Considering something as a whole or complete entity.
B2Morein love with
US //ɪn lʌv wɪð//
UK
- Adjective
- Feeling romantic love for someone.
- Extremely enthusiastic about or fond of something.
A1Morein terms of
US
UK
- Phrase
- With regard to; concerning a particular aspect.
A1Morein the future
US /ɪn ði ˈfjutʃɚ/
UK /in ðə ˈfju:tʃə/
- Phrase
- At a later time; in times to come.
A1Morein the midst of
US
UK
- Phrase
- Surrounded by; in the middle of.
- During; while something is happening.
A1Morein the way
US /ɪn ði we/
UK /in ðə wei/
- Phrase
- Obstructing someone or something; hindering progress.
- Stored or placed so as to be available or ready when needed.
A1Morein the west
US
UK
- Phrase
- Located in or towards the west.
- Located in the western part of a country or region.
A1Morein the world
US /ɪn ði wɜrld/
UK /in ðə wɜː(r)ld/
- Phrase
- Used to emphasize a question expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief.
- Used to indicate the extent or degree of something, often in a superlative sense.
A1Morein with
US /ɪn wɪð/
UK /in wið/
- Phrase
- Fashionable or popular at the moment.
- Having influence or favor with someone.
- Phrasal Verb
- To introduce or bring something new into a system or organization.
A1Moreincredible
US /ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl/
UK /ɪnˈkredəbl/
- Adjective
- Very good; amazing
- Really good; amazing; great
A2TOEICMoreincredibly
US /ɪnˈkrɛdəblɪ/
UK /ɪnˈkredəbli/
- Adverb
- To a great degree; very; amazingly
- Extremely; so much so it is hard to believe
A2Moreinside of
US /ɪnˈsaɪd ʌv/
UK /inˈsaid ɔv/
- Preposition
- Within; in the inner part of.
- Within a certain period of time.
A1Moreinstead of
US /ɪnˈstɛd ʌv/
UK /inˈsted ɔv/
- Preposition
- When one thing is replaced by another
- Adverb
- As a substitute or alternative.
A1Moreknow about
US /noʊ əˈbaʊt/
UK /nəʊ əˈbaut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To have information or understanding of a subject or situation.
live out
US /liv aʊt/
UK /liv aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To experience something, especially something that you have planned or hoped for.
- To live somewhere that is not the place where you work.
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
A1Morematernal
US /məˈtɜ:rnl/
UK /məˈtɜ:nl/
- Adjective
- Of mothers or being a mother
B2TOEICMoremelody
US /ˈmɛlədi/
UK /'melədɪ/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Song; music
- Pleasing musical notes put together to form a tune
B2Moremelt down
US /mɛlt daʊn/
UK /melt daun/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To heat a solid material, especially metal, until it becomes liquid.
- Intransitive Verb
- To lose control of one's emotions; to become overwhelmed or hysterical.
A1Moremuch about
US /mʌtʃ əˈbaʊt/
UK /mʌtʃ əˈbaut/
- Phrase
- A lot of information or knowledge concerning something.
- To a great extent or degree regarding something; caring.
A1Morenext to
US /nɛkst tu/
UK /nekst tu:/
- Preposition
- Being located along side another
- In comparison with
- Adverb
- Almost; nearly
A1Moreof course
US /ʌv kɔː(r)s/
UK /ɔv kɔː(r)s/
- Adverb
- Sure ; Certainly
- Phrase
- For sure; certainly
A2Moreof ours
US /ʌv ˈaʊɚz/
UK /əv ˈaʊəz/
- other
- Belonging to us; associated with us.
A2Moreof yours
US /ʌv jʊɚz/
UK /əv jɔ:z/
- other
- Belonging to you; your possession or property.
A1Moreoff of
US /ɔf ʌv/
UK /ɔf ɔv/
- Preposition
- From a position on something; down from.
A1Moreofficial
US /əˈfɪʃəl/
UK /əˈfɪʃl/
- Adjective
- Real, exact, truely felt
- Of or done by someone in authority; formal
- Noun
- A person authorized to perform a specific duty
- A referee or umpire
A2TOEICMoreon record
US /ɑn rɪˈkɚd/
UK /ɔn riˈkɔ:d/
- Adverb
- Formally and publicly stated
- Adjective
- Officially documented or registered.
A1Moreon television
US /ɑn ˈtɛləvɪʒən/
UK /ɒn ˈtelɪvɪʒən/
- other
- Appearing or broadcast on TV.
A2Moreon the air
US /ɑn ði er/
UK /ɔn ðə eə(r)/
- Phrase
- Being broadcast on radio or television.
- Publicly discussed or revealed.
on the ground
US
UK
- Phrase
- Located on the surface of the earth.
- Present and available in a particular place, especially to deal with a situation.
on the street
US /ɑn ði strit/
UK /ɔn ðə stri:t/
- Phrase
- Located on or along a public road in a town or city.
- Available or circulating, especially illegally or unofficially.
A1Moreorchestra
US /ˈɔ:rkɪstrə/
UK /ˈɔ:kɪstrə/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Large group who perform instrumental music
- Seating area in a theater close to the stage
B1Moreother than
US
UK
- Preposition
- Except for; apart from.
- Conjunction
- Different from.
A1Moreout 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.
A1Moreparadise
US /ˈpærəˌdaɪs, -ˌdaɪz/
UK /'pærədaɪs/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Place with everything needed for specific activity
- Place where good people are said to go after death
B1Morepilot
US /ˈpaɪlət/
UK /'paɪlət/
- Transitive Verb
- To conduct a small practice experiment
- To fly a plane; to direct a ship
- Noun
- Person flying a plane; expert guide for a ship
A2Moreplay off
US
UK
- Countable Noun
- An extra game or period of play in a competition, played to decide the winner when two or more competitors are tied.
- Phrasal Verb
- To use people's desire to compete in order to get what you want.
play on
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To exploit or take advantage of something, such as someone's emotions or weaknesses.
A1Morepodcast
US /'pɑ:dkæst/
UK /'pɒdkɑ:st/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A digital recording (e.g. radio show) for download
A2Moreprocess
US /ˈprɑsˌɛs, ˈproˌsɛs/
UK /prə'ses/
- Transitive Verb
- To organize and use data in a computer
- To deal with official forms in the way required
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Dealing with official forms in the way required
- Set of changes that occur slowly and naturally
A2TOEICMorepush through
US /pʊʃ θru/
UK /puʃ θru:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue with a plan or activity despite difficulties or opposition.
- To make progress by pushing people or things aside.
B1Moresame time
US
UK
- Phrase
- Occurring simultaneously or at the same point in time.
- At the identical time as before; recurring at a fixed hour.
- Noun
- An equal duration or period.
A1Morescore
US /skɔr, skor/
UK /skɔ:(r)/
- Noun
- A sharp mark or cut in the surface of something
- Current number of points given in a game, contest
- Transitive Verb
- To mark or cut something with a sharp object
- To get or give points in a game, contest, or test
A2TOEICMorescript
US /skrɪpt/
UK /skrɪpt/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Written text of a book, play, film, or speech
- Set of letters or characters of a written language
- Transitive Verb
- To write a text for a movie, play or speech
B1Moresee in
US /si ɪn/
UK /si: in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To accompany someone to the entrance of a building or room.
A1Moreshit out
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To produce something quickly and in large quantities, often of low quality.
- To expel waste from the body.
A1Moreshut up
US /ʃʌt ʌp/
UK /ʃʌt ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To close something, e.g. a shop
- To (cause someone to) be silent or not speak
- Interjection
- An expression of disbelief or surprise
A2Morespend
US /spɛnd/
UK /spend/
- Transitive Verb
- To use money to pay for something
- To use time in order to do something
A2TOEICMorestay in
US /ste ɪn/
UK /stei in/
- Phrasal Verb
- To remain inside one's home.
- Intransitive Verb
- To remain as an inpatient in a hospital.
sterling
US /ˈstɚlɪŋ/
UK /'stɜ:lɪŋ/
- Adjective
- Of very strong, true character; very reliable
C2Moretalk about it
US /tɔk əˈbaʊt ɪt/
UK /tɔ:k əˈbaut it/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To discuss a particular subject.
A1Moretalking about
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To discuss a particular topic.
- To be constantly mentioning or bringing up a subject.
A1Moretheme
US /θim/
UK /θi:m/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- An main or dominant idea, motif
- Main idea of a work of art, writing, or music
A2Morethink the world of
US /θɪŋk ðə wɜrld ʌv/
UK /θɪŋk ðə wɜ:ld əv/
- other
- To have great affection or admiration for someone.
B2Moreto let
US /tu lɛt/
UK /tu let/
- Preposition
- Indicates that a property is available for rent.
A2Moreturn around
US /tɚn əˈraʊnd/
UK /tə:n əˈraund/
- Phrasal Verb
- To change your body to the opposite direction
- To make something running badly into a success
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To change direction so as to face the opposite way.
- To improve or cause to improve.
A1Moretv show
US /ˈtiˈvi ʃo/
UK /ˈti:ˈvi: ʃəu/
- Noun
- A television program.
used 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
A1Moreversion
US /ˈvɚʒən, -ʃən/
UK /ˈvə:ʃən/
- Noun
- Different way that someone interprets something
- New or different form of something
A2TOEICMorewalk with
US /wɔk wɪð/
UK /wɔ:k wið/
- Phrasal Verb
- To accompany someone while walking.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To support or stand by someone.
wanna
US /ˈwɑnə/
UK /'wɒnə/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- Shortened form of 'want to'. Used only in speaking
B2Morewith it
US /wɪð ɪt/
UK /wið it/
- Adjective
- Intelligent, alert, and up-to-date.
- Understanding and knowledgeable about current trends or information.
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
A1Morework on
US /wɚk ɑn/
UK /wə:k ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To devote effort to improve or develop something
- To try to persuade or influence someone.
A1Morework out
US /wɚk aʊt/
UK /wə:k aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To find a way to do something, by thinking
A1Morework to do
US
UK
- Phrase
- Tasks or activities that need to be accomplished.
- Obligations or responsibilities that require effort and attention.
A1Morework together
US /wɚk təˈɡɛðɚ/
UK /wə:k təˈɡeðə/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To collaborate or cooperate with others to achieve a common goal.
A1Moreyes and no
US
UK
- Phrase
- An ambivalent or uncertain answer; a response that is neither a clear affirmation nor a clear denial.
- A situation with both positive and negative aspects; a qualified affirmation.
A1Morezoom
US /zum/
UK /zu:m/
- Noun
- Camera lens used to magnify images
- Intransitive Verb
- To move along or go somewhere very quickly
B1More
