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Oxford Word Skills - Intermediate /

085- Expressions (1)

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1-
or so
2-
for a start
3-
to do somebody a favor
4-
for a while
5-
to make up one's mind
6-
to change one's mind
7-
never mind
8-
well done
9-
congratulations
10-
to feel like
11-
to tip
12-
tip
13-
no way
14-
it depends
15-
what a shame
16-
to go away
17-
to go away
18-
to leave somebody or something alone
19-
quite
20-
a bit
21-
pity
22-
shame
23-
to make it
24-
so far
25-
one or two
26-
to be about to do something
27-
something or two
28-
straight away
29-
to be up to somebody
30-
help yourself
or so
phrase
uk flag
/ɔːɹ sˈoʊ/
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used to refer to an estimated or approximate amount, quantity, or range of something

for a start
phrase
uk flag
/fɚɹə stˈɑːɹt/

used to introduce the first point in the series, especially in arguments or when stating one's opinions, reasons, etc.

to do somebody a favor
phrase
uk flag
/dˈuː ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ fˈeɪvɚɹ ɔːɹ sˈɑːlɪd/
Collocation

to perform a helpful or kind act for someone, typically without expecting something in return

for a while
phrase
uk flag
/fɚɹə wˈaɪl/

for a period of time, usually suggesting that the duration of the time is temporary or not permanent

to [make] up {one's} mind
to make up one's mind
phrase
uk flag
/mˌeɪk ˌʌp wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd/
Idiom

to come to a final decision or conclusion after considering different options or possibilities

What is the origin of the idiom "make up one's mind" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "make up one's mind" can be traced back to Middle English usage. The term "make up" in this context refers to the act of completing or finalizing something. The phrase implies the idea of resolving or settling one's thoughts or intentions on a particular matter. It is used in various contexts and occasions to describe the process of reaching a decision or forming a firm opinion. It can be employed in personal, social, or professional settings.

to [change] {one's} mind
to change one's mind
phrase
uk flag
/tʃˈeɪndʒ wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd/
Idiom
Informal

to change one's opinion or decision regarding something

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

The origin of the idiom "change one's mind" can be attributed to Old English and Middle English usage, specifically the word "mynd" in Old English and "mind" in Middle English. The term "mind" in this context referred to one's thoughts, intellect, or mental processes. The concept of changing one's mind has been a part of human language and communication for centuries, reflecting the inherent flexibility and adaptability of human cognition. This phrase is used in various contexts and occasions to describe situations where individuals alter their opinions, decisions, or beliefs. It can be employed in personal, social, or professional settings.

never mind
interjection
uk flag
/nˈɛvɚ mˈaɪnd/

used to indicate that something is not worth worrying about or paying attention to

well done
well done
interjection
uk flag
/wˈɛl dˈʌn/

used to express congratulations, approval, or admiration for someone's accomplishment, achievement, or effort

congratulations
congratulations
interjection
c
k
o
ə
n
n
g
g
r
r
a
æ
t
ʧ
u
ə
l
l
a
t
ʃ
io
ə
n
n
s
z

used to express joy, admiration, or praise for someone's achievements, successes, or happy occasions

to feel like
Verb
uk flag
/fˈiːl lˈaɪk/

to have a want for a thing or action

to tip
to tip
Verb
t
t
i
ɪ
p
p

to give a small amount of money to a waiter, driver, etc. to thank them for their services

Grammatical Information:

transitive
tip
tip
noun
t
t
i
ɪ
p
p

the additional money we give someone such as a waiter, driver, etc. to thank them for the services they have given us

no way
no way
interjection
uk flag
/nˈoʊ wˈeɪ/

used to firmly and decisively reject the suggestion or proposal

it depends
sentence
uk flag
/ɪt dɪpˈɛndz/
Collocation

used to suggest that there is no single, straightforward answer, and the final result is subject to variables that need to be considered

what a shame
interjection
uk flag
/wˌʌt ɐ ʃˈeɪm/

used to express disappointment, regret, or sympathy regarding an unfortunate event or situation

to go away
to go away
Verb
uk flag
/ɡˌoʊ ɐwˈeɪ/

to temporarily leave one's home, typically for a vacation

arrive

Grammatical Information:

intransitive
Phrasal Status
inseparable
phrase's verb
go
phrase's particle
away
to go away
to go away
Verb
uk flag
/ɡˌoʊ ɐwˈeɪ/

to move from a person or place

come

Grammatical Information:

intransitive
Phrasal Status
inseparable
phrase's verb
go
phrase's particle
away
to leave somebody or something alone
phrase
uk flag
/lˈiːv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐlˈoʊn/

to not interfere with or bother someone or something, and to allow them to be as they are

quite
Adverb
q
k
u
w
i
t
t
e

to a degree that is significant but not extreme

a bit
a bit
Adverb
uk flag
/ɐ bˈɪt/

to a small extent or degree

Grammatical Information:

adverb of degree
pity
noun
p
p
i
ɪ
t
t
y
i

an unfortunate development

shame
noun
sh
ʃ
a
m
m
e

an unfortunate or disappointing situation that causes regret or sadness

to make it
Verb
uk flag
/mˈeɪk ɪt/

to successfully reach or attend a place or event

so far
so far
phrase
uk flag
/sˈoʊ fˌɑːɹ/

in a continuous manner up to the present moment

one or two
determiner
uk flag
/wˈʌn ɔːɹ tˈuː/

used to refer to a small number things or people

to be about to do something
phrase
uk flag
/biː ɐbˌaʊt tə dˈuː ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
Collocation

to be very close to happening or doing something

something or two
determiner
uk flag
/ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɔːɹ tˈuː/

used to indicate a small number or amount of something

straight away
Adverb
uk flag
/stɹˈeɪt ɐwˈeɪ/

without any delay

to be up to somebody
phrase
uk flag
/biː ˌʌp tʊ ˌɛsbˈiː/

to be someone's responsibility or decision

help yourself
interjection
uk flag
/hˈɛlp joːɹsˈɛlf/

used to tell someone that they are free to take or do something without needing to ask

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