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1-
to sink or swim
2-
to wait and see
3-
far and wide
4-
to give and take
5-
ifs, ands, or buts
6-
once and for all
7-
hit-and-miss
8-
short and sweet
9-
the ins and outs of something
10-
by and large
11-
to tense
12-
groggy
13-
inconsistency
14-
to slip
15-
to do up
16-
mind-boggling
17-
to munch
18-
random
19-
worst-case scenario
20-
recurring
21-
painstakingly
22-
tedious
23-
stroke
24-
bizarre
25-
vividly
26-
to struggle
27-
contest
28-
vision
29-
monstrous
30-
melody
31-
ready-made
32-
round
33-
ups and downs
34-
sooner or later
35-
pros and cons
36-
(every) now and then
37-
sick and tired
38-
more or less
39-
touch and go
40-
peace and quiet
41-
safe and sound
42-
slowly but surely
43-
come rain or come shine
to sink or swim
to sink or swim
Frase
uk flag
/sˈɪŋk ɔːɹ swˈɪm/
todo o nada

todo o nada

Idiom

to be left in a situation where one either succeeds or fails

example
Ejemplo
Click on words
He had to sink or swim in the new job, with no training provided.
The challenge was clear: it was time to sink or swim in this new venture.
What is the origin of the idiom "sink or swim" and when to use it?

The origin of this idiom comes from swimming, where a person is either able to stay afloat and swim or will sink and drown. The idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is left with no choice but to succeed or fail on their own, without any help or support. The phrase suggests that the situation is challenging, and that the outcome is uncertain, but that the person must do their best to succeed.

to wait and see
Frase
uk flag
/wˈeɪt ænd sˈiː/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to be patient in order to find out about the outcome, answer, or future happenings

far and wide
Adverbio
uk flag
/fˈɑːɹ ænd wˈaɪd/
(en todas partes)

(en todas partes)

a lo largo y ancho

Idiom

over a great distance or in many places, often used to describe the extent of someone's search, travels, or influence

to [give] and [take]
to give and take
Frase
uk flag
/ɡˈɪv ænd tˈeɪk/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

(of two or more parties) to agree with each other's terms or opinions in order to reach an agreement

What is the origin of the idiom "give and take" and when to use it?

The earliest recorded use of this phrase in English is in William Tyndale's translation of the Bible from 1526, where it appears in the Gospel of St. Luke: "For with what measure ye mete, with the same shall it be measured to you again" (Luke 6:38, KJV). The phrase became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries as a way of describing the process of bargaining or negotiating, particularly in business or political contexts. In the 20th century, it came to be used more broadly to describe any situation in which both parties are willing to compromise and make concessions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

ifs, ands, or buts
Frase
uk flag
/ˈɪfs ɔːɹ bˈʌts/
N/A

N/A

the various objections or reasons why something might not be possible, or the conditions that need to be met for something to happen

once and for all
once and for all
Frase
uk flag
/wˈʌns ænd fɔːɹ ˈɔːl/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

in a way that finalizes and completes the matter at hand

inconclusively
What is the origin of the idiom "once and for all" and when to use it?

The idiom "once and for all" has roots in Middle English and can be traced back to the 14th century. It is an idiomatic expression that emerged from the combination of the individual words "once" and "for all," which have been used separately in English for much longer. This expression is used in personal situations to resolve conflicts or make firm commitments, in professional settings to establish clear guidelines or decisions, in legal matters to settle disputes conclusively, and in discussions or debates to assert a final position or settle an argument.

hit-and-miss
Adjetivo
uk flag
/hˈɪtændmˈɪs/
inestable

inestable

an inconsistent and unpredictable approach or method with no clear pattern of success or failure

short and sweet
Frase
uk flag
/ʃˈɔːɹt ænd swˈiːt/
N/A

N/A

Collocation

used to describe something that is brief and to the point, yet pleasant or enjoyable

the ins and outs of {sth}
the ins and outs of something
Frase
uk flag
/ðɪ ˈɪnz ænd ˈaʊts ʌv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a complete set of facts or details about how something is done or how it works

What is the origin of the idiom "the ins and outs of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "the ins and outs of something" refers to a comprehensive understanding of a particular subject, including all its details, complexities, and nuances. The origin of this phrase is derived from the idea that "ins" represent the inner or intricate aspects, while "outs" pertain to the outer or surface aspects of a subject or situation. Together, it signifies a thorough knowledge of a topic, situation, or process. This phrase is used to convey that someone possesses a deep and comprehensive understanding of a subject or can navigate through complex situations with ease, having explored all facets of it.

by and large
Adverbio
uk flag
/baɪ ænd lˈɑːɹdʒ/
(en términos generales)

(en términos generales)

por lo general

Collocation

used to indicate that something is mostly the case or generally true

to tense
Verbo
t
t
e
ɛ
n
n
s
s
e
(ponerse tenso)

(ponerse tenso)

tensar

to make someone feel nervous, anxious, or uneasy

relax
groggy
Adjetivo
g
g
r
r
o
ɑ
gg
g
y
i
(grogui)

(grogui)

modorro

feeling unsteady or dazed, often due to lack of sleep or recovery from anesthesia

inconsistency
Sustantivo
i
ɪ
n
n
c
k
o
ə
n
n
s
s
i
ɪ
s
s
t
t
e
ə
n
n
c
s
y
i
(irregularidad)

(irregularidad)

inconsistencia

the state or quality of being irregular or unpredictable

consistency
to slip
Verbo
s
s
l
l
i
ɪ
p
p
(deslizarse)

(deslizarse)

escabullirse

to pass or escape unnoticed or undetected

Información Gramatical:

Intransitivo
to do up
to do up
Verbo
uk flag
/dˈuː ˈʌp/
(cerrar)

(cerrar)

abrochar

to fasten, button, zip, or otherwise secure something, often related to clothing or accessories

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
Estado Frasal
separable
verbo de la frase
do
partícula de la frase
up
mind-boggling
Adjetivo
uk flag
/mˈaɪndbˈɑːɡlɪŋ/
(asombroso)

(asombroso)

sorprendente

extremely surprising, confusing, or difficult to understand

to munch
to munch
Verbo
m
m
u
ə
n
n
ch
ʧ
(picotear)

(picotear)

masticar

to chew steadily or vigorously, often making a crunching sound

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
random
random
Adjetivo
r
r
a
æ
n
n
d
d
o
ə
m
m
al azar

al azar

chosen, done, or happening by chance and without any particular plan, method, or purpose

nonrandom
worst-case scenario
Sustantivo
uk flag
/wˈɜːstkˈeɪs sənˈæɹiˌoʊ/
(el escenario más desfavorable)

(el escenario más desfavorable)

el peor de los casos

the most severe or negative outcome that could happen in a given situation

Información Gramatical:

Sustantivo Compuesto
recurring
Adjetivo
r
r
e
i
c
k
u
ɜ
rr
r
i
ɪ
n
n
g
g
(periódico)

(periódico)

recurrente

happening or appearing repeatedly

painstakingly
painstakingly
Adverbio
p
p
ai
n
n
s
s
t
t
a
k
k
i
ɪ
n
n
g
g
l
l
y
i
(minuciosamente)

(minuciosamente)

meticulosamente

with great care, attention, and thoroughness, often taking a long time to complete

tedious
tedious
Adjetivo
t
t
e
i
d
d
iou
s
s
(aburrido)

(aburrido)

tedioso

boring and repetitive, often causing frustration or weariness due to a lack of variety or interest

stroke
stroke
Sustantivo
s
s
t
t
r
r
o
k
k
e
(toque)

(toque)

caricia

a gentle caress or touch, especially one made with the hand

bizarre
bizarre
Adjetivo
b
b
i
ə
z
z
a
ɑ
rr
r
e
extraño

extraño

strange or unexpected in appearance, style, or behavior

vividly
Adverbio
v
v
i
ɪ
v
v
i
ə
d
d
l
l
y
i
(claramente)

(claramente)

vividamente

in a clear and detailed manner

to struggle
to struggle
Verbo
s
s
t
t
r
r
u
ə
gg
g
ə
l
l
e
(esforzarse)

(esforzarse)

luchar

to put a great deal of effort to overcome difficulties or achieve a goal

Información Gramatical:

Transitivo
contest
contest
Sustantivo
c
k
o
ɑ
n
n
t
t
e
ɛ
s
s
t
t
(competencia, competición)

(competencia, competición)

concurso

a competition in which participants compete to defeat their opponents

vision
Sustantivo
v
v
i
ɪ
s
ʒ
io
ə
n
n
(visión futura)

(visión futura)

visión

a mental image of what one wants or hopes to achieve in the future

monstrous
monstrous
Adjetivo
m
m
o
ɑ
n
n
s
s
t
t
r
r
ou
ə
s
s
monstruoso

monstruoso

very ugly to an extent of being unnatural or frightening

melody
melody
Sustantivo
m
m
e
ɛ
l
l
o
ə
d
d
y
i
melodía

melodía

the arrangement or succession of single musical notes in a tune or piece of music

What is a "melody"?

A melody in music refers to a sequence of single notes played or sung in a specific order to create a recognizable and memorable tune. It is often the main musical line that stands out and is easily remembered. A melody typically has a clear rhythm and pitch, and it is usually supported by harmony and rhythm to form a complete musical piece. Melodies are central to most music, as they often carry the main theme or emotional content of the piece.

ready-made
Adjetivo
uk flag
/ɹˈɛdimˈeɪd/
(ya elaborado)

(ya elaborado)

precocinado

made in advance and available for immediate use or purchase, without the need for any additional preparation or assembly

custom-made
round
Sustantivo
r
r
o
a
u
ʊ
n
n
d
d
(set)

(set)

ronda

a period of play in certain sports during which one team or competitor is on the offensive, attempting to score or defeat their opponent

ups and downs
Frase
uk flag
/ˌʌps ænd dˈaʊnz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a combination of both good things and bad things that can happen to one

What is the origin of the idiom "ups and downs" and when to use it?

The idiom "ups and downs" draws its origin from the imagery of a graph or chart, where the "ups" represent high points or positive moments, and the "downs" correspond to low points or challenges. This expression has been in use for centuries, reflecting the cyclical and fluctuating nature of life, It is mostly used to emphasize the need to navigate and adapt to various circumstances.

sooner or later
Frase
uk flag
/sˈuːnɚɹ ɔːɹ lˈeɪɾɚ/
N/A

N/A

eventually, particularly after a long delay or dispute

pros and cons
Frase
uk flag
/pɹˈoʊz ænd kˈɑːnz/
N/A

N/A

Collocation

the positive and negative elements, arguments, outcomes, etc. of something

(every|) now and then
(every) now and then
Frase
uk flag
/ˈɛvɹi nˈaʊ ænd ðˈɛn/
de vez en cuando

de vez en cuando

on irregular but not rare occasions

sick and tired
sick and tired
Frase
uk flag
/sˈɪk ænd tˈaɪɚd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

annoyed or disgusted by someone or something one has been dealing with for a long time

What is the origin of the idiom "sick and tired" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "sick and tired" can be traced back to the 16th century. The word "sick" in this context means weary or fed up, while "tired" means exhausted or fatigued. This idiom is used in various contexts to express profound frustration or weariness with a particular situation, person, or ongoing circumstances. This idiomatic expression is commonly used in personal conversations, informal settings, and even in written or spoken expressions of discontent.

more or less
Frase
uk flag
/mˈoːɹ ɔːɹ lˈɛs/
N/A

N/A

used to indicate a rough estimate without precise measurements or exact figures

touch and go
Frase
uk flag
/tˈʌtʃ ænd ɡˈoʊ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

involving risk and uncertainty

What is the origin of the idiom "touch and go" and when to use it?

The idiom "touch and go" has maritime origins, dating back to the early days of sailing. It referred to a situation where a ship's keel barely touched the sea bottom, allowing it to continue its voyage without running aground. The "touch" referred to this brief contact with the seabed, and "go" indicated that the ship could continue its journey. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation that is precarious, uncertain, or risky, often implying that the outcome is unpredictable and could swing in either direction.

peace and quiet
Frase
uk flag
/pˈiːs ænd kwˈaɪət/
N/A

N/A

a state or situation that is free from disturbance, noise, or any kind of interruption or disruption, typically characterized by calmness, serenity, and tranquility

safe and sound
safe and sound
Frase
uk flag
/sˈeɪf ænd sˈaʊnd/
sano y salvo

sano y salvo

Idiom

not damaged or injured in any way

What is the origin of the idiom "safe and sound" and when to use it?

The idiom "safe and sound" has its origin in Middle English. This phrase is often used to express relief or reassurance after a potentially risky or dangerous situation, such as returning home from a journey or finding something or someone thought to be lost. It can also be used metaphorically to convey emotional well-being or security.

slowly but surely
Frase
uk flag
/sloʊli bʌt ʃʊɹli/
N/A

N/A

with gradual progress, steadily, and consistently over time

come rain or come shine
come rain or come shine
Oración
uk flag
/kˈʌm ɹˈeɪn ɔːɹ kˈʌm ʃˈaɪn/
llueva o truene

llueva o truene

Idiom
Informal

no matter what happens

What is the origin of the idiom "come rain or come shine" and when to use it?

The idiom "come rain or come shine" originated from the English language and is used to express unwavering commitment or dedication regardless of the circumstances or challenges faced. It is mainly used to convey the idea of remaining steadfast and resolute, whether it be in fulfilling a promise, completing a task, or maintaining loyalty. The phrase signifies a determination to persevere through both favorable and unfavorable conditions.

¡Felicidades! !

Aprendiste 43 palabras de Headway Upper Intermediate - Unit 11. Para mejorar el aprendizaje y revisar el vocabulario, ¡comienza a practicar!

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