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Headway - Advanced - Unit 4

Here you will find the vocabulary from Unit 4 in the Headway Advanced coursebook, such as "hoax", "lost cause", "bedridden", etc.

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Headway - Advanced
lost cause

a thing or person that cannot be fixed, saved, or made successful

Ex: After numerous failed attempts, the project seemed like a lost cause. 
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the (last|final) straw

the final and decisive event or action that pushes someone beyond their tolerance or patience, leading to a significant reaction or decision

Ex: The late payment was the last straw for the supplier. 
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gray area
gray area
[noun]

a situation that is hard to define or categorize and therefore unclear

Ex: The new rule leaves too many gray areas for teachers. 
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to [level] the playing field

to create equal opportunities for all individuals or groups, regardless of their background or circumstances

Ex: The point of this legislation is to level the playing field for those who have typically found it harder to access public funding. 
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slippery slope

a situation that can gradually lead to bigger problems

Ex: Allowing one exception to the rule could be the start of a slippery slope toward chaos. 
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wake-up call

a phone call that is made at a particular time to wake someone up, at their request, for example in a hotel

Ex: She requested a wake-up call at 6 AM to ensure she wouldn't miss her early flight. 
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a (fine|thin) line
a fine line
[phrase]

a delicate distinction between two things, particularly two apparently similar situations or concepts

Ex: There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance; it's important to strike a balance. 
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itchy feet

a strong urge to travel or leave somewhere

Ex: Ever since he was a child, he had itchy feet and dreamt of exploring distant lands. 
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long shot
long shot
[noun]

an attempt made without having any high hopes of achieving success

Ex: Applying for that scholarship is a long shot, but you should still try. 
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raw deal
raw deal
[noun]

a treatment that is not fair or equal

Ex: The workers got a raw deal when their hours were cut but their workload stayed the same. 
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sore point

a sensitive or vulnerable topic or issue that causes discomfort, distress, or irritation when discussed or mentioned

Ex: His missed promotion is a sore point, so try not to bring it up. 
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wishful thinking

the act of imagining or hoping for something to be true, despite there being little or no evidence or likelihood of it actually happening

Ex: They dismissed her plans as wishful thinking, given the lack of resources. 
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foregone conclusion

a result or decision that seems certain before it officially happens

Ex: Many voters saw his victory as a foregone conclusion. 
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(last|final) resort

an option or solution that is only chosen when every other alternative has failed

Ex: When negotiations failed, they turned to legal action as a last resort. 
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on second thought

used to state that one has adopted a different opinion

Ex: I was going to order coffee, but on second thought, I'll have tea. 
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saving grace

a redeeming quality or factor that prevents a situation or outcome from being completely negative or disastrous

Ex: Her sense of humor was the saving grace in an otherwise awkward conversation. 
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mixed blessing

something that has both advantages and disadvantages, making it both positive and negative

Ex: Winning the lottery turned out to be a mixed blessing, as it brought both wealth and unexpected problems. 
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cold feet
cold feet
[noun]

the state in which one loses all one's confidence and willingness to continue doing something

Ex: He got cold feet just before signing the contract. 
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hooked
hooked
[Adjective]

addicted or extremely enthusiastic about something

Ex: She got hooked on the TV series and finished the entire season in one weekend. 
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outcry
outcry
[noun]

a loud, sustained noise or shout of disapproval, protest, or outrage

Ex: From all corners of society, there arose a unified outcry against the unjust treatment of marginalized communities. 
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spiritualism

the belief that the human spirit or soul can survive after death and communicate with the living

Ex: She was fascinated by spiritualism and attended séances regularly. 
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hoax
hoax
[noun]

a deceptive act or scheme intended to trick people

Ex: The news about the celebrity’s death turned out to be a hoax. 
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bedridden
bedridden
[Adjective]

having to stay in bed, usually for a long time, due to illness or injury

Ex: Sarah's grandmother became bedridden after breaking her hip, requiring assistance with all daily activities. 
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to clutch
to clutch
[Verb]

to seize or grab suddenly and firmly

Ex: He clutched the steering wheel tightly as he navigated through the winding mountain road. 
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handcuff
handcuff
[noun]

a pair of rings made of metal with a chain attached to them, used for putting on the wrists of prisoners

Ex: The police officer placed the suspect's hands in handcuffs after arresting him. 
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to dismiss

to disregard something as unimportant or unworthy of consideration

Ex: She regularly dismisses suggestions that deviate from the established plan. 
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to withstand

to resist or endure the force, pressure, or challenges imposed upon oneself

Ex: The sturdy structure of the building can withstand strong winds and earthquakes. 
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acute
acute
[Adjective]

(of an illness) suddenly becoming severe but for a short time

Ex: Jack was hospitalized due to an acute bout of appendicitis. 
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to collapse

(of a person) to fall and become unconscious

Ex: Exhausted from the intense heat, he collapsed on the sidewalk and lost consciousness. 
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inauspicious
inauspicious
[Adjective]

putting someone or something at a disadvantage

Ex: The company’s inauspicious financial report worried investors. 
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thoughtful
thoughtful
[Adjective]

caring and attentive to the needs, feelings, or well-being of others

Ex: She's thoughtful, always going out of her way to make others feel cared for and appreciated. 
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eccentric
eccentric
[Adjective]

slightly strange in behavior, appearance, or ideas

Ex: Her eccentric fashion choices always turn heads. 
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uncanny
uncanny
[Adjective]

beyond what is ordinary and indicating the inference of supernatural powers

Ex: The uncanny resemblance between the twins, who had never met before, left everyone amazed. 
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deduction
deduction
[noun]

the process of using general rules or ideas to make a specific conclusion

Ex: The detective used logical deduction to identify the culprit from the available clues. 
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skeptical
skeptical
[Adjective]

having doubts about something's truth, validity, or reliability

Ex: Despite the promising claims, Lisa remained skeptical about the new diet's effectiveness. 
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