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Oxford Word Skills - Upper-Intermediate - Advanced /

002- Familiar Words, New Meanings

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1-
to have second thoughts
2-
in two minds
3-
sweet
4-
tied up
5-
to strike
6-
thick
7-
the last thing on one's mind
8-
to get out of
9-
to get
10-
to get
11-
to see
12-
to keep
13-
to put
14-
to leave
15-
to make
16-
to bring
17-
to bring
18-
to come
19-
to do
20-
to crawl
21-
to put something into words
22-
to push
to have second thoughts
phrase
uk flag
/hæv sˈɛkənd θˈɔːts/
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Idiom

to start doubting a decision and begin to wonder whether it is the right or best thing to do

What is the origin of the idiom "have second thoughts" and when to use it?

The idiom "have second thoughts" originates from the idea of reconsidering a decision or action before proceeding. It is used to suggest taking a moment to reflect or entertain doubts about one's initial choice, often due to uncertainty or a realization.

in two minds
phrase
uk flag
/ɪn tˈuː mˈaɪndz/
Idiom

in a state of uncertainty in which it is difficult for one to choose between two courses of action

What is the origin of the idiom "in two minds" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "in two minds" can be attributed to the figurative use of the word "mind" to represent one's thoughts, opinions, or decision-making process. The phrase emerged from the concept of internal conflict or ambivalence, where individuals experience a division within their own minds, torn between two opposing ideas or choices. It is commonly used when discussing personal choices, dilemmas, or preferences.

sweet
sweet
Adjective
s
s
w
w
ee
i:
t
t

kind and pleasant in nature, often thoughtful and caring toward others

tied up
Adjective
uk flag
/tˈaɪd ˈʌp/

occupied or unavailable due to being busy, engaged, or involved in some activity or task

to strike
Verb
s
s
t
t
r
r
i
k
k
e

to successfully reach, achieve, or establish something that requires agreement or compromise

Grammatical Information:

transitive
thick
Adjective
th
θ
i
ɪ
ck
k
Informal

lacking intelligence or slow to understand

the last thing on one's mind
phrase
uk flag
/ðə lˈæst θˈɪŋ ˌɑːn wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd/
Idiom
Informal

something that is not being thought about or considered, often due to more pressing or immediate concerns

What is the origin of the idiom "the last thing on one's mind" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "the last thing on one's mind" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 19th century. There are a few different theories about its origins, but the most likely is that it refers to something that is so unlikely or improbable that it is not even worth considering.

to get out of
Verb
uk flag
/ɡˈɛt ˌaʊɾəv/

to escape a responsibility

Grammatical Information:

Phrasal Status
inseparable
phrase's verb
get
phrase's particle
out of
to get
Verb
g
g
e
ɛ
t
t

to cause something to perform a specific action

Grammatical Information:

ditransitive
to get
Verb
g
g
e
ɛ
t
t

to force or convince someone to do something

Grammatical Information:

ditransitive
to see
Verb
s
s
ee
i:

to find out or become certain about something by asking, discovering, or considering

to keep
Verb
uk flag
/kiːp/

(of food or any perishable commodity) to stay in good condition

Grammatical Information:

intransitive
to put
to put
Verb
p
p
u
ʊ
t
t

to express something in a specific way

Grammatical Information:

transitive
to leave
Verb
l
l
ea
i
v
v
e

to let someone deal with something in one's place

Grammatical Information:

ditransitive
to make
Verb
m
m
a
k
k
e

to guess or calculate a specific value or result

to bring
Verb
b
b
r
r
i
ɪ
n
n
g
g

to make someone or something to be placed in a certain condition or state

Grammatical Information:

complex transitive
to bring
Verb
b
b
r
r
i
ɪ
n
n
g
g

to make someone or something be in or go to a specific place

Grammatical Information:

transitive
to come
Verb
c
k
o
ʌ
m
m
e

to be available with certain features, options, or characteristics associated with a product

Grammatical Information:

intransitive
to do
Verb
d
d
o
u:

to be suitable or sufficient for a particular purpose or need

Grammatical Information:

intransitive
to crawl
Verb
c
k
r
r
a
ɔ
w
l
l

(of a vehicle or its driver) to move very slowly, often in heavy traffic or difficult conditions

to put something into words
phrase
uk flag
/pˌʊt ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ˌɪntʊ wˈɜːdz/
Collocation

to express or explain something clearly using written or spoken language

to push
Verb
p
p
u
ʊ
sh
ʃ

to encourage or influence someone, or oneself, to work harder

Grammatical Information:

transitive

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