Preparing usage notes, please check back later
against the grain
US
UK
- Phrase
- Contrary to someone's natural inclinations or feelings; in opposition to what is normal or expected.
- In a direction that is perpendicular to the fibers of wood, making it difficult to work with.
A2Moreall over the place
US
UK
- Phrase
- In a state of disorder; scattered everywhere.
- In many different locations; widely distributed.
- Adjective
- Mentally or emotionally disorganized; confused or erratic.
A1Moreall the rage
US
UK
- Phrase
- Being the current popular thing
B1Moreall the things
US
UK
- Pronoun
- Everything; all items or aspects
- Determiner
- Every item or object being considered or discussed.
A1Moreass
US /æs/
UK /æs/
- Noun
- (Impolite) part of the human body that you sit on
C2Moreat some point
US /æt sʌm pɔɪnt/
UK /æt sʌm pɔint/
- Phrase
- At an unspecified time, usually in the future.
A1Moreat the end of the day
US
UK
- Phrase
- Ultimately; when everything else is considered.
- After a day's work or activities.
A1Moreback up
US /bæk ʌp/
UK /bæk ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To save a copy of your computer data
- To confirm the truth of what someone says
A1Morebe with
US /bi wɪð/
UK /bi: wið/
- Phrasal Verb
- To accompany someone; to be in someone's presence.
- To support someone's opinion or cause.
A1Morebehind the scenes
US
UK
- Phrase
- Secretly or without being known to the public.
- In a position to influence events without any public knowledge.
A1Morebeing with
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- Accompanying someone; being in someone's presence.
- Supporting someone's opinion or cause.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- Accompanying someone; spending time with someone.
- Supporting someone; agreeing with someone.
A1Morebitch
US /bɪtʃ/
UK /bɪtʃ/
- Intransitive Verb
- To aggressively complain about something
- Countable Noun
- Female dog
- Offensive term for a female
B2Morebook on
US
UK
- Noun
- A book about a particular subject.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To place a bet on something.
A1Morebreak up
US /brek ʌp/
UK /breik ʌp/
- Phrase
- Phrasal Verb
- (Of party, relationship) to come to an end
- To end something, e.g. a fight
A1Morebuild up
US /bɪld ʌp/
UK /bild ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To increase the amount; collect something
- To develop or increase something in stages
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To increase or develop something gradually.
- To praise or encourage someone.
A1Morecheat on
US /tʃit ɑn/
UK /tʃi:t ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To be sexually unfaithful to one's partner.
- Intransitive Verb
- To act dishonestly or unfairly, especially in order to gain an advantage in a test or game.
B2Moreclaw
US /klɔ/
UK /klɔ:/
- Countable Noun
- Long, sharp, and usually curved nail of an animal
- A tool or part of a tool resembling an animal's claw, used for gripping or tearing.
- Transitive Verb
- To dig or pull with the nails or fingers
- To grasp or seize something with or as if with claws.
B1Morecollection
US /kəˈlɛkʃən/
UK /kəˈlekʃn/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Act of asking for money for a debt or a charity
- Group of similar things gathered as a hobby
A2Morecome back
US /kʌm bæk/
UK /kʌm bæk/
- Phrasal Verb
- To reply to someone, often forcefully
- To be remembered
A1Morecoming over
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To change sides in a discussion
- To visit someone's home
A1Morecoming to you
US
UK
- Intransitive Verb
- To approach or arrive at your location
- To occur to you; to enter your mind
A1Moreconstantly
US /ˈkɑnstəntlɪ/
UK /ˈkɒnstəntli/
- Adverb
- Frequently, or without pause
- In a way that is unchanging or faithful
B1Moreconversation
US /ˌkɑnvɚˈseʃən/
UK /ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃn/
- Uncountable Noun
- Talking with other people; discussion or chat
- General communication or interaction.
A2Morecoping mechanism
US
UK
- Noun
- A psychological strategy used to manage stress or emotional distress.
B2Morecouple
US /ˈkʌpəl/
UK /'kʌpl/
- Transitive Verb
- To join something to something else
- (Two animals) to engage in sexual relations
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Two people in a romantic relationship
- Two of something; two people; a pair
A2Morecrazy
US /ˈkrezi/
UK /'kreɪzɪ/
- Adjective
- Mentally ill; mad
- Not being sensible or practical
- Noun
- Person acting in a manner that is strange and odd
A2Moredeal to
US /dil tə/
UK /di:l tə/
- other
- To give or inflict something, often harm or punishment.
C1Moredeal 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.
A1Moredie out
US /daɪ aʊt/
UK /dai aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To disappear completely; to become extinct
A1Moredoo
US
UK
- Noun
- Bird commonly referred to as a pigeon
B2Moredump on
US /dʌmp ɑn/
UK /dʌmp ɒn/
- other
- To criticize or blame someone heavily or unfairly.
B2Moredynamic
US /daiˈnæmik/
UK /daɪˈnæmɪk/
- Adjective
- Always active or energetic; getting things done
B1TOEICMoreentire
US /ɛnˈtaɪr/
UK /ɪn'taɪə(r)/
- Adjective
- Complete or full; with no part left out; whole
- Undivided; not shared or distributed.
A2TOEICMoreepisode
US /ˈɛpɪˌsod/
UK /'epɪsəʊd/
- Noun
- One separate event in a series of events
- Show which is part of a larger story
B1TOEICMoreessentially
US /ɪˈsenʃəli/
UK /ɪˈsenʃəli/
- Adverb
- Basically; (said when stating the basic facts)
- Used to emphasize the basic truth or fact of a situation.
A2Morefalling apart
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To suffer a nervous breakdown
- To break into pieces; stop functioning
A1Morefeedback
US /ˈfidˌbæk/
UK /ˈfi:dbæk/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- A response or opinion, about a service, etc.
- Information about reactions to a product, a person's performance of a task, etc. which is used as a basis for improvement.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To give information or opinions about something to someone, especially in order to improve it.
B1TOEICMorefeel like
US
UK
- Intransitive Verb
- To have a desire or inclination for something.
- To have a particular quality or sensation; resemble.
A1Morefigure 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.
A1Morefor myself
US /fɚ maɪˈsɛlf/
UK /fə maɪˈself/
- other
- Done for one's own benefit or use.
A1Morefor sure
US /fɔr ʃʊr/
UK /fɔ: ʃuə/
- Adverb
- Definitely; certainly; without a doubt.
- Used to emphasize a statement.
- Interjection
- An expression of strong agreement or affirmation.
A2Morefor the rest
US /fɔr ði rɛst/
UK /fɔ: ðə rest/
- Phrase
- Concerning the remaining people or things.
- During the remaining part of a period of time.
A1Morefound out
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To learn or discover something, often after some effort.
- To become known; be revealed.
B2Morefriendship
US /ˈfrɛndˌʃɪp/
UK /ˈfrendʃɪp/
- Uncountable Noun
- Feeling of liking someone; good relationship
B1Morefrom home
US
UK
- Phrase
- Working or operating from one's residence.
- Originating or coming from one's own house or country.
A1Moregang
US /ɡæŋ/
UK /ɡæŋ/
- Noun
- Group that you disapprove of, e.g. criminals
- Intransitive Verb
- To gather together to do something (often illegal)
B1Moreget 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 excited
US /ɡɛt ɪkˈsaɪtɪd/
UK /ɡet ɪkˈsaɪtɪd/
- Intransitive Verb
- To become enthusiastic or eager.
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
A1Moregift
US /ɡɪft/
UK /gɪft/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Something given to another for a reason; present
- Special skill or natural ability to do something
A2TOEICMorego away
US /ɡo əˈwe/
UK /ɡəu əˈwei/
- Phrasal Verb
- To go on vacation
- To leave; depart.
A1Moregoing on
US /ˈɡoɪŋ ɑn/
UK /ˈgəʊɪŋ ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To continue doing something
- To happen (usually negative)
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
A2Morehanging out
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To spend time with your friends
- To spend times with friends or relax doing nothing
A2Morehave to
US /hæv tu/
UK /ˈhæv tə/
- Auxiliary Verb
- Must do
A1Morehit it off
US /hɪt ɪt ɔf/
UK /hit it ɔf/
- Phrasal Verb
- To get on well on first meeting someone
- To start something successfully or enjoyably.
A1Morehonest
US /ˈɑnɪst/
UK /ˈɒnɪst/
- Adjective
- Good, truthful, sincere, or faithful; trustworthy
A2TOEICMorein check
US /ɪn tʃɛk/
UK /in tʃek/
- Phrase
- Under control; restrained.
- Verified or confirmed to be correct or accurate.
in love with
US //ɪn lʌv wɪð//
UK
- Adjective
- Feeling romantic love for someone.
- Extremely enthusiastic about or fond of something.
A1Morein power
US /ɪn ˈpaʊɚ/
UK /in ˈpauə/
- Adjective
- Having control of a country or organization.
- Phrase
- During a period of holding authority or control.
B1Morein reality
US /ɪn riˈælɪti/
UK /in riˈæliti/
- Phrase
- Actually; in fact; truly.
B2Morein the driver's seat
US
UK
- Idiom
- In a position of control or authority.
A1Morein the end
US /ɪn ði ɛnd/
UK /in ðə end/
- Phrase
- Finally; after a period of time or series of events.
- Ultimately; as the final result or consequence.
A1Morein the know
US /ɪn ði noʊ/
UK /in ðə nəʊ/
- Phrase
- Having secret or special information about something.
A1Morein the long run
US
UK
- Phrase
- Eventually; over a long period of time.
A1Morein the middle of
US
UK
- Phrase
- In the central part or point of something.
- Engaged or occupied with something.
A2Morein the moment
US
UK
- Phrase
- At the present time; now.
- Spontaneously; without prior planning or consideration.
A1Morein the open
US /ɪn ði ˈopən/
UK /in ðə ˈəupən/
- Phrase
- Publicly; not secret.
- Outdoors; not inside a building or covered space.
A1Morein the past
US
UK
- Phrase
- During a former period of time; previously.
A1Morein waves
US /ɪn weɪvz/
UK /ɪn weɪvz/
- other
- Occurring in large, flowing bursts or groups.
B2Morein 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.
A1Morein writing
US
UK
- Phrase
- Expressed or presented in written form, rather than spoken.
- Officially recorded in a written document, especially for legal purposes.
A1Moreinside 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.
A1Morelead to
US /lid tu/
UK /li:d tu:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To result in some action
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To have something as a consequence or result.
A1Morelean into
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To bend or move your body closer to something, often for support or to get a better view.
- To embrace or fully engage with something, especially something difficult or challenging.
B2Moreleft out
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To forget; omit
- To exclude someone or something; to not include.
A1Morelight on
US /laɪt ɑn/
UK /lait ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To illuminate something.
- To discover something unexpectedly.
- Adjective
- Gentle or delicate in the use of something.
A1Morelike crack
US /laɪk kræk/
UK /laɪk kræk/
- other
- Very fast or with great energy and intensity.
C1Morelike fuck
US /laɪk fʌk/
UK /laɪk fʌk/
- other
- Used to emphasize a very high degree or intensity.
C2Morelike lightning
US /laɪk ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/
UK /laɪk ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/
- other
- Very quickly or suddenly.
B1Moreliterally
US /ˈlɪtərəli/
UK
- Adverb
- In a literal manner or sense; exactly as stated.
- Used for emphasis to describe something that is actually true, often to highlight surprise or intensity.
B1Morelonely
US /ˈloʊnli/
UK /ˈləʊnli/
- Adjective
- Sad because apart from other people
- Being far away and rarely visited by people
B2Morelook at
US /lʊk æt/
UK /luk æt/
- Phrasal Verb
- To use your eyes to focus on something
- To focus your eyes on something carefully
A1Moremove into
US /muv ˈɪntu/
UK /mu:v ˈɪntuː/
- Phrasal Verb
- To start living in a new house or building
- To start being involved in a new area of business or activity.
move on
US /muv ɑn/
UK /mu:v ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To decide to change or go to a different place
- To start talking about something different.
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.
A1Moreof a sudden
US
UK
- Phrase
- Quickly and unexpectedly; suddenly.
B2Moreof course
US /ʌv kɔː(r)s/
UK /ɔv kɔː(r)s/
- Adverb
- Sure ; Certainly
- Phrase
- For sure; certainly
A2Moreoff of
US /ɔf ʌv/
UK /ɔf ɔv/
- Preposition
- From a position on something; down from.
A1Moreoffer up
US /ˈɔfɚ ʌp/
UK /ˈɔfə ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To present something, especially to God, as a sacrifice or offering.
- To present or suggest something for consideration.
A1Moreon call
US
UK
- Adjective
- Available to be summoned for duty, especially in emergencies.
- Adverb
- In a state of readiness to respond to calls for service or assistance.
A2Moreon the surface
US /ɑn ði ˈsɚfəs/
UK /ɔn ðə ˈsə:fis/
- Phrase
- Appearing to be true or real until examined more closely.
- Located on the outer part or uppermost layer of something.
B2Moreon to
US /ɑn tu/
UK /ɔn tu:/
- Preposition
- Toward something; forward
- Aware of someone's activities.
- Adjective
- Aware of someone's deception or illegal activities.
A1Moreonce a month
US
UK
- Phrase
- Happening or appearing one time in each month.
A1Moreopen up to
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To start talking more freely about your feelings and private thoughts.
- To become available or possible.
A1Moreother 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.
A1Moreover to
US
UK
- Preposition
- Used to hand over to someone else to speak
- The responsibility is now yours
phone
US /foʊn/
UK /fəʊn/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To talk to someone using a telephone
- Noun
- Machine used to talk to someone who is far away
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.
B1Moreput together
US /pʊt təˈɡɛðɚ/
UK /put təˈɡeðə/
- Phrasal Verb
- To build or assemble something small, e.g. a toy
- To organize or arrange something.
A1Moreput up with
US /pʊt ʌp wɪð/
UK /put ʌp wið/
- Phrasal Verb
- To suffer (a difficult thing) without complaining
- To endure or accept something undesirable.
A1Morereach out
US /ritʃ aʊt/
UK /ri:tʃ aut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To attempt to communicate with someone.
- To offer help and support to someone.
B1Morerelationship
US /rɪˈleʃənˌʃɪp/
UK /rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪp/
- Noun (Countable/Uncountable)
- Connection between two or more people or things
- Way people interact or live with each other
A2TOEICMorerely on
US /rɪˈlaɪ ɑn/
UK /riˈlai ɔn/
- Phrasal Verb
- To depend on someone or something
A2Morerespect
US /rɪˈspɛkt/
UK /rɪ'spekt/
- Transitive Verb
- To follow the established rules
- To think very highly of another person
- Noun
- Behavior that follows the established rules
- Regard or admiration for someone or something
A2TOEICMoreright back
US /raɪt bæk/
UK /rait bæk/
- Interjection
- Said when someone says they will return soon, indicating you expect their prompt return.
- Adverb
- Immediately; very soon after going.
A1Morerun with
US /rʌn wɪð/
UK /rʌn wið/
- Phrasal Verb
- To take and work with an idea, plan as your own
A1Morescroll
US /skroʊl/
UK /skrəʊl/
- Intransitive Verb
- To move up and down a computer screen
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To move up, down, or across a computer screen
B2Moreshout out
US /ʃaʊt aʊt/
UK /ʃaut aut/
- Noun
- A public expression of greeting or praise.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To publicly mention or acknowledge someone or something.
- To publicly acknowledge or thank someone.
A2Morestand up for
US /stænd ʌp fɔr/
UK /stænd ʌp fɔ:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To support someone or an idea, e.g. human rights
A1Morestick up for
US /stɪk ʌp fɔr/
UK /stik ʌp fɔ:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To defend (yourself, someone else)
A2Moretake a bath
US
UK
- Intransitive Verb
- To wash oneself in a bathtub.
A1Moretake it on the chin
US /teɪk ɪt ɑn ðə ʧɪn/
UK /teɪk ɪt ɒn ðə ʧɪn/
- other
- To accept difficulty or criticism without complaint.
C1Moretalk 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.
A1Morethink about
US /θɪŋk əˈbaʊt/
UK /θiŋk əˈbaut/
- Phrasal Verb
- To consider something carefully.
- To remember or call to mind.
A1Morethink back
US /θɪŋk bæk/
UK /θiŋk bæk/
- Phrasal Verb
- To recapture the past
A1Moreto date
US /tu det/
UK /tu: deit/
- Phrase
- Up to the present time; until now.
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To go out on romantic dates with someone.
C2Moreto death
US /tu dɛθ/
UK /tu: deθ/
- Phrase
- Extremely; to a great degree
- Until death
B1Moreto do with
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To be about something; concern
A1Moreto the left
US
UK
- Phrase
- In or toward the left direction.
- Situated on the left side of.
touch on
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To briefly discuss
A1Moretrip
US /trɪp/
UK /trɪp/
- Verb (Transitive/Intransitive)
- To release an electrical switch
- To fall by catching your foot on something
- Noun
- Act of falling down; falling over an obstacle
- Journey or visit to a place
A2Moreturn heads
US /tɚn hɛdz/
UK /tɜ:n hedz/
- other
- To attract noticing or admiration from others.
B2Moreuncomfortable
US /ʌnˈkʌmfətəbəl, -ˈkʌmftə-/
UK /ʌnˈkʌmftəbl/
- Adjective
- Not being relaxed; worried about something
- Causing or feeling slight pain or physical unease.
B1Moreused 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
A1Morevalidate
US /ˈvælɪˌdet/
UK /'vælɪdeɪt/
- Transitive Verb
- To show to be officially correct or allowable
B2TOEICMorevalidation
US /ˌvælɪ'deɪʃn/
UK /ˌvælɪ'deɪʃn/
- Uncountable Noun
- Act of finding or testing the truth of something
- In computer science, the process of ensuring that data meets certain criteria before it is processed.
B2Morevouch for
US /vaʊtʃ fɔr/
UK /vaʊtʃ fɔ:/
- Phrasal Verb
- To assert or confirm as a truth based on one's experience or knowledge.
wake up
US /wek ʌp/
UK /weik ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To stop sleeping
- To become fully aware and alert to a situation.
A1Morewithout me
US
UK
- Phrase
- Not including me; excluding me.
A2Morework 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 through
US
UK
- Phrasal Verb
- To deal with something systematically until it is completed
- To deal with a problem or difficult situation.
wrap up
US /ræp ʌp/
UK /ræp ʌp/
- Phrasal Verb
- To complete something, such as a film or project
- To finish; bring something to a conclusion
- Transitive Verb
- To enclose (something) in paper or soft material.
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