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Insight - Advanced /

Unit 6 - 6C

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1-
to wrap somebody around one's (little) finger
2-
to get on one's nerves
3-
to lean on
4-
to drive a wedge
5-
at one's beck and call
6-
to be in each other's pocket
7-
rent
8-
contract
9-
estate agent
10-
notice
11-
landlord
12-
deposit
13-
mortgage
14-
lease
15-
tenant
16-
to have a soft spot for somebody or something
to [wrap|twist|wind] {sb} around {one's} (little|) finger
to wrap somebody around one's (little) finger
phrase
uk flag
/ɹˈæp twˈɪst wˈɪnd ˌɛsbˈiː ɐɹˈaʊnd wˈʌnz lˈɪɾəl fˈɪŋɡɚ/
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Idiom
Informal

to manage to convince someone to do whatever one asks of them out of love or respect that they have for one

example
Example
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With her charming personality and persuasive skills, she could twist anyone around her finger, getting them to do whatever she desired.
The charismatic salesperson had potential customers wrapped around their little finger, effortlessly convincing them to make purchases.
What is the origin of the idiom "wrap someone around one's finger" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "wrap someone around one's finger" is not precisely known. However, it is likely derived from the action of physically manipulating string or thread around one's finger. The act of wrapping, twisting, or winding something around the finger implies control and manipulation. It is commonly used in discussions about interpersonal relationships, particularly those involving charm, persuasion, or manipulation.

to [get] on {one's} nerves
to get on one's nerves
phrase
uk flag
/ɡɛt ˌɑːn wˈʌnz nˈɜːvz/
Idiom
Informal

to make someone really mad by constantly doing something that angers or annoys them

What is the origin of the idiom "get on one's nerve" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "get on one's nerve" can be traced back to the late 19th century. The word "nerve" in this context refers to one's sensitivity or emotional state. The phrase likely emerged from the idea that persistent or irritating stimuli could affect one's nerves, causing discomfort or annoyance. This idiom is commonly employed in interpersonal relationships, such as with family members, friends, or colleagues, to express exasperation or frustration with someone's behavior, habits, or actions that continually test one's patience or sensitivity.

to lean on
to lean on
Verb
uk flag
/lˈiːn ˈɑːn/

to rely on something, such as a wall, for physical support or stability

Grammatical Information:

transitive
Phrasal Status
inseparable
phrase's verb
lean
phrase's particle
on
to [drive] a wedge
to drive a wedge
phrase
uk flag
/dɹˈaɪv ɐ wˈɛdʒ/
Disapproving
Idiom

to ruin the relationship of people or groups of people by causing them to disagree or hate each other

What is the origin of the idiom "drive a wedge" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "drive a wedge" can be traced back to its literal meaning. The use of wedges as tools to create separation or division predates the idiomatic expression. In carpentry and other manual trades, wedges are used to split or drive apart objects or materials. It is commonly used in discussions related to interpersonal relationships, politics, social dynamics, and conflicts.

at  {one's} beck and call
at one's beck and call
phrase
uk flag
/æt wˈʌnz bˈɛk ænd kˈɔːl/
Idiom

at someone's complete service

What is the origin of the idiom "at one's beck and call" and when to use it?

The idiom "at one's beck and call" originated in the past when social roles and hierarchies were more pronounced. It means that someone is always ready and willing to respond to the requests or commands of another person. It implies a strong level of obedience and availability, indicating that the person being referred to is constantly at the service and disposal of someone else. It is often used to depict relationships with power dynamics, such as employer-employee relationships or situations involving personal assistants or service staff.

to [be|live] in each other's [pocket]
to be in each other's pocket
phrase
uk flag
/biː ɔːɹ lˈaɪv ɪn ˈiːtʃ ˈʌðɚz pˈɑːkɪt/
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal

to be very close to someone and spend most of one's time with them

What is the origin of the idiom "be in each other's pockets" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "be in each other's pockets" is unclear. It likely emerged from the notion of two people being so physically close that they are constantly near each other, like items kept in the pockets of clothing. It is used to describe a situation where two or more people are constantly in close proximity, often to the point of being overly involved or dependent on each other. It implies a lack of personal space or independence between the individuals.

rent
rent
noun
r
r
e
ɛ
n
n
t
t

the money that is regularly paid to use an apartment, room, etc. owned by another person

contract
contract
noun
c
k
o
ɑ
n
n
t
t
r
r
a
æ
c
k
t
t

an official agreement between two or more sides that states what each of them has to do

estate agent
estate agent
noun
uk flag
/ɪstˈeɪt ˈeɪdʒənt/

a person whose job is to help clients rent or buy properties

Grammatical Information:

compound noun
notice
noun
n
n
o
t
t
i
ə
c
s
e

a formal statement or letter declaring that one intends to end an agreement, especially an employment or residential contract

landlord
landlord
noun
l
l
a
æ
n
n
d
d
l
l
o
ɔ
r
r
d
d

a person or a company who rents a room, house, building, etc. to someone else

deposit
noun
d
d
e
ə
p
p
o
ɑ
s
z
i
ɪ
t
t

a sum of money that is paid before paying a total amount, particularly when buying something that is expensive

mortgage
mortgage
noun
m
m
o
ɔ
r
r
t
g
g
a
ə
g
ʤ
e

an official contract or arrangement by which a bank gives money to someone as a loan to buy a house and the person agrees to repay the loan over a specified period, usually with interest

lease
lease
noun
l
l
ea
i
s
s
e

an agreement in which we agree to pay rent to use someone else's house, room, etc.

tenant
tenant
noun
t
t
e
ɛ
n
n
a
ə
n
n
t
t

someone who pays rent to live in someone else's house, room, etc.

to [have] a soft spot for {sb/sth}
to have a soft spot for somebody or something
phrase
uk flag
/hæv ɐ sˈɔft spˈɑːt fɔːɹ ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
Idiom

to be particularly fond of someone or something

What is the origin of the idiom "have a soft spot for somebody or something" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "have a soft spot for somebody or something" is not specifically known, but it likely originated from the figurative use of the word "soft" to describe a tender or gentle feeling towards someone or something. The idiom implies that there is a specific area in one's heart that is emotionally sensitive and receptive to a particular person or thing. It signifies feeling a particular fondness, affection, or sympathy towards them.

Congratulations! !

You learned 16 words from Insight Advanced - Unit 6 - 6C. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

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