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English Vocabulary in Use - Advanced /

018. Home Styles, Lifestyles

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1-
squat
2-
hovel
3-
unfurnished
4-
furnished
5-
penthouse
6-
social housing
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high-rise
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tower block
9-
granny flat
10-
like a house on fire
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household name
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on the house
13-
home truth
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to hit home something
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to make oneself at home
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in the fast lane
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to have the time of one's life
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new lease of life
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a matter of life and death
20-
to take one's life into one's (own) hands
squat
noun
s
s
q
k
u
w
a
ɑ
t
t
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a house or building that is occupied, without the consent of the landlord or without paying any rent

Dialectbritish flagBritish
hovel
noun
h
h
o
ə
v
v
e
ə
l
l

a small house that is in an extremely poor condition

What is a "hovel"?

A hovel is a small, simple, and often run-down building or shelter, typically in poor condition. It is usually uncomfortable, lacking proper facilities, and may be in need of repairs. The term is often used to describe a place where people live in difficult or unhealthy conditions, such as a cramped or damaged home. A hovel is usually seen as an undesirable place to live, offering minimal protection or comfort.

unfurnished
unfurnished
Adjective
u
ʌ
n
n
f
f
u
ɜ
r
r
n
n
i
ɪ
sh
ʃ
e
d
t

(of an apartment, house, or room) devoid of any furniture

furnished
furnished
furnished
Adjective
f
f
u
ɜ
r
r
n
n
i
ɪ
sh
ʃ
e
d
t

(of a house, apartment, etc.) available to be rented or purchased with the necessary furniture already provided

unfurnished
penthouse
penthouse
noun
p
p
e
ɛ
n
n
th
th
o
a
u
ʊ
s
s
e

an apartment on top of a tall building

What is a "penthouse"?

A penthouse is a luxury apartment located on the top floor of a building, often offering spectacular views and extra space compared to other units. Penthouses typically feature high-end finishes, private terraces or balconies, and sometimes additional amenities like a private elevator. They are known for their exclusivity and are often considered a symbol of prestige and wealth. Penthouses are found in both urban and suburban areas, often in high-rise buildings, and are designed to offer residents privacy and comfort with premium features.

social housing
noun
uk flag
/sˈoʊʃəl hˈaʊzɪŋ/

houses or apartments offered at a reduced price by a local council or other non-profit organizations to be rented or bought by people with low incomes

Dialectbritish flagBritish
high-rise
high-rise
noun
uk flag
/hˈaɪɹˈaɪz/

a very tall building with many floors

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
What is a "high-rise"?

A high-rise is a tall building with many floors, typically designed for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. High-rises are commonly found in urban areas where space is limited, and they provide a way to accommodate large numbers of people or businesses in a smaller ground area. These buildings are often equipped with elevators to allow easy access to higher floors and may include amenities like parking, gyms, or pools. High-rises are a common feature of city skylines and are known for offering impressive views from upper levels.

tower block
tower block
noun
uk flag
/tˈaʊɚ blˈɑːk/

a very tall building that is divided into several apartments or offices

Dialectbritish flagBritish

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
granny flat
noun
uk flag
/ɡɹˈæni flˈæt/

*** a set of rooms for an old person, especially in a relative’s house

Dialectbritish flagBritish
like a house on fire
phrase
uk flag
/lˈaɪk ɐ hˈaʊs ˌɑːn fˈaɪɚ/
Idiom
Informal

used to describe a situation or activity that is developing with great intensity, speed, and success

What is the origin of the idiom "like a house on fire" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "like a house on fire" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States, possibly in the early 20th century. The phrase is mainly used to describe a relationship, interaction, or activity that is happening quickly, enthusiastically, or with great intensity. In other words, it suggests a sense of rapid and positive progress, often used to emphasize the speed and enthusiasm with which something is happening or developing.

household name
household name
noun
uk flag
/hˈaʊshoʊld nˈeɪm/

someone or something that has become extremely popular through the passage of time

What is the origin of the idiom "household name" and when to use it?

The term "household name" is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. It is thought that the term was first used to describe people who were well-known in their own homes, but not necessarily by the general public. Over time, the term came to be used to describe anyone or anything that was known by a large number of people.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
on the house
phrase
uk flag
/ɑːnðə hˈaʊs/

used to refer to something, particularly a drink, offered for free by a restaurant, bar, or other establishment, usually as a gesture of hospitality or good will

home truth
noun
uk flag
/hˈoʊm tɹˈuːθ/
Idiom
Informal

an unpleasant, yet truthful information someone reveals or points out about one

What is the origin of the idiom "home truth" and when to use it?

The idiom "home truth" originated in the late 18th century in England. This expression is widely used to refer to a harsh or unpleasant truth that is spoken or revealed within the context of personal relationships or familiar settings, typically within one's own home.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
to [hit|strike|drive] home {sth}
to hit home something
phrase
uk flag
/hˈɪt stɹˈaɪk dɹˈaɪv hˈoʊm ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
Idiom
Informal

to make others understand or accept something, particularly by keep repeating it

What is the origin of the idiom "hit home something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiomatic expression "hit home something" can be traced back to the physical act of forcefully striking or driving an object to a specific destination. The phrase represents the act of delivering a message or idea with impact and effectiveness, similar to the forceful action of striking a target. It reflects the human desire to ensure that a particular point or concept is fully understood and acknowledged by making a strong impression. It is commonly used when there is a need to ensure that a concept is fully understood and acknowledged by the listener or audience.

to [make] {oneself} at home
to make oneself at home
phrase
uk flag
/mˌeɪk wʌnsˈɛlf æt hˈoʊm/
Idiom

to make oneself feel relaxed and comfortable without caring for formalities

What is the origin of the idiom "make oneself at home" and when to use it?

The phrase originated in the 19th century and was likely used in both Britain and the United States. The phrase suggests that a guest should feel comfortable and relaxed, as if they were in their own home. It is often used as a polite invitation for a guest to feel free to help themselves to food and drink, or to make any necessary adjustments to their surroundings. The phrase is also used in a broader sense to indicate a general feeling of welcome and hospitality, and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Overall, the phrase "make oneself at home" has come to represent a warm and welcoming attitude towards guests, and is an important part of many cultures around the world.

in the fast lane
in the fast lane
phrase
uk flag
/ɪnðə fˈæst lˈeɪn/
Idiom

in a state of moving or progressing rapidly, particularly with regards to one's career, success, or lifestyle

What is the origin of the idiom "in the fast lane" and when to use it?

The phrase "in the fast lane" is believed to have originated in the 1950s, when the term "fast lane" was used to describe the left lane on a highway. The left lane is typically the fastest lane, as it is where cars can travel at higher speeds. The phrase "in the fast lane" has since been adopted by a variety of other contexts, including business, sports, and politics. In these contexts, the phrase is used to describe someone who is moving quickly or successfully in their field.

to have the time of one's life
phrase
uk flag
/hæv ðə tˈaɪm ʌv wˈʌnz lˈaɪf/
Idiom
Informal

to have a lot of fun and really enjoy oneself

What is the origin of the idiom "have the time of one's life" and when to use it?

The idiom "have the time of one's life" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is rooted in the idea of experiencing an exceptionally enjoyable, memorable, and carefree period in one's life. It is used to convey the sense of having a great, unforgettable time, often during a particular event, vacation, or celebration when one is thoroughly delighted and content.

new lease of life
new lease of life
phrase
uk flag
/nˈuː lˈiːs ʌv lˈaɪf/
Idiom

another chance for someone to become more healthy, energetic, or adopting a more optimistic view on life

Dialectbritish flagBritish
What is the origin of the idiom "new lease of life" and when to use it?

The phrase "new lease of life" does not have a specific origin, but it is derived from the legal concept of a lease, which refers to a contract granting temporary possession or use of a property. In this context, "lease" is used metaphorically to represent a period of time or opportunity for a fresh start or improved circumstances. It is used to describe a situation where someone is given another chance or opportunity to improve their health, energy levels, or overall outlook on life.

a matter of life and death
phrase
uk flag
/ɐ mˈæɾɚɹ ʌv lˈaɪf ænd dˈɛθ/
Idiom
Informal

a situation that is not to be ignored or understimated

What is the origin of the idiom "a matter of life and death" and when to use it?

The idiom "a matter of life and death" is used to emphasize the extreme seriousness and significance of a situation, decision, or action, where the outcome could determine whether someone lives or dies. This expression does not have a specific historical origin but is rooted in the fundamental importance of life and survival.

to take one's life into one's (own) hands
phrase
uk flag
/tˈeɪk wˈʌnz lˈaɪf ˌɪntʊ wˈʌnz ˈoʊn ɔːɹ hˈændz/
Idiom
Informal

to do something so risky that a person may lose their life because of it

What is the origin of the idiom "take one's life into one's hands" and when to use it?

The idiom "take one's life into one's hands" originated in the early 17th century, and it is used to describe situations in which individuals willingly engage in risky or daring activities, fully aware of the potential dangers and consequences involved. It conveys a sense of personal responsibility for one's actions, often in pursuit of specific goals or adventures, while acknowledging the uncertain outcomes or potential risks associated with those actions.

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