The speech was _____; it used just a few words to make a strong, memorable point.
concise
He’s making _____ that he’s someone really important.
out
That documentary really helped __________ the challenges faced by refugees.
shine a spotlight on
Despite the scandal, the politician __________ defended her actions in front of the press.
unashamedly
I finally managed to _____ and told my best friend how I really felt about the way she treated me.
get something off my chest
Jamie completely ________ when his brother broke his gaming console — he started shouting and even threw a chair.
lost it
We need _____ results before we can go any further with the project.
tangible
DEFINITION: Similar in nature or quality:
akin to
As usual, she couldn’t let it go until she _____.
had the last word
DEFINITION: To make a serious and determined effort to achieve something:
put your mind to something
After hearing the confusing instructions, he struggled to _____ _____ all the information and figure out what to do.
piece together
My dad is great at _____ wonderful meals from just a couple of basic ingredients.
conjuring
The documentary took a __________ approach, exposing every side of the controversy without censorship.
no holds barred
When I saw Ella laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe, I knew she must _____ at that video.
be in fits
The spy managed to __________ the politician in a scandal that ruined his career.
ensnare
The journalist had to __________ hundreds of emails to find the key piece of evidence.
trawl
Feel free to _____ if you have any suggestions during the discussion.
jump in
Although his intentions were __________, the execution of the project was poorly managed.
laudable
DEFINITION: To join others in doing something that’s currently popular or trendy:
jump on the bandwagon
Her daily journal entries were full of deep __________ about life and the universe.
musings
If they ___ everone _____ they were happy, no one would suspect they’re struggling.
gave ____ the impression
After the accident, he was really _____.
shaken up
The country was thrown into political __________ after the unexpected resignation of the president.
turmoil
The movie should be judged _ _ ___ _____, rather than comparing it to previous films in the franchise.
on its own merits
Don’t let others __________ just because you’re quiet.
walk all over you
He’s an extremely _____ speaker. Everyone listens in silence when he presents his ideas.
eloquent
Most people aren’t taken _____.
in
During the debate, she didn’t hesitate to __________ the unfair policies.
speak out against
Even though she was the only one with that opinion, she bravely _____ in the meeting.
fought her corner
I didn't want to _____ but it was clear someone had made a serious mistake.
assign blame
The organisers struggled to __________ all the attendees in the limited space available.
accommodate
He makes it _____ as he goes along.
up
My presentation is going to be _____ – I know we’re short on time, so I’ll get straight to the point.
short and sweet
If you had _____ to prepare for the performance, you would be giving a convincing performance now.
gone to great lengths
When it comes to group projects, Mia always insists on doing things her way. She always wants to __________.
have her own way
The painting's colours and textures __________ feelings of nostalgia and longing.
evoke
If you want people to __________, you need to speak with confidence and energy.
sit up and listen
I loved the film—it was so __________ that I barely noticed two hours had passed.
pacey
I’ll need to __________ the report to make it shorter for the presentation this afternoon.
condense
If she were loyal _____, everyone would trust her without a doubt.
through and through
It's important to __________ in meetings. If you don’t speak up, no one will know your thoughts.
have your say
It’s unfair to __________ someone for a mistake when they’ve already apologised and made amends.
vilify
He puts _____ this posh voice.
on
The coach’s passionate speech helped to __________ the team into action.
galvanise
This article explains very _____ the reasons for the politician's actions.
plausibly
I admire people who can __________ and speak honestly, even if their opinion is unpopular.
say it as it is
Although the instructions were clear, the explanation was so __________ that I had to read it three times to understand it.
convoluted
When she ________________________, people believe she’s strong.
puts on a brave front
With modern technology, we have information _____ whenever we need it.
at our fingertips
The meeting was so __________ that everyone kept checking the time, hoping it would end soon.
tedious
If he ________ before the play starts, he’ll perform well.
gets into character
He said he’d help me move this weekend, but he’s _____ again!
gone back on his word
DEFINITION: To avoid someone or something intentionally:
steer clear
The success of the project _____ careful planning and teamwork.
is down to
It looks like an excellent solution. _____, I still think we should consider alternative options before making a final decision.
Having said that
You’ve _____ all day. Did something happen at school?
had a long face
The reviews ____ _ ___ __ the money spent on special effects but for me, it was the acting that stood out.
made a lot of
I always _____ without thinking when I’m nervous — last time I accidentally told everyone about the surprise party!
shoot my mouth off
Look at the bigger picture and it puts everything into _____.
perspective
He was accused of trying to __________ his manager’s authority in front of the team.
undermine
I didn’t want to ruin the party, so I just decided to _____ and pretend I was having a good time.
grin and bear it
His speech was appreciated for its __________; he got straight to the point without wasting time.
brevity
With determination and focus, she was able to __________ her fear of public speaking.
overcome
If he had known the _____, he would have acted differently.
façade had slipped
DEFINITION: To ignore something or someone without interest:
don't give a second glance
I was so relieved after I finally _____ and told her how I really felt.
got it off my chest
_____ the team for their hard work; they truly deserved the win.
All credit to
If you had realized it was _____, you wouldn’t have worried so much.
a figment of their imagination
Ms. Roberts totally _____ in class today — she went from calm to furious in seconds after someone made a rude comment.
let rip
Your essay is too __________; try to be more concise and focus on the main ideas.
wordy
Our science teacher is very __________; she always breaks problems down logically and helps us see patterns.
analytical
I didn't like her response – it felt too _____, almost rude, like she didn’t care at all.
curt
I know someone who’s taken him ____ the boss.
for
Mr. Lopez is really __________ — you can ask him anything and he never makes you feel silly.
approachable
The coach tried to __________ the team’s hidden potential with a new training approach.
tap into
If an actor __________, the audience enjoys the show.
gives a convincing performance
My grandmother is 92 but still _____ and full of energy.
alive and kicking
The website is finally starting to _____, thanks to the new marketing strategy.
get hits
Every time I try to speak in front of the class, I __________ and forget what I wanted to say.
get tongue-tied
I would love a _____ car that uses both petrol and electricity.
hybrid
The documentary was __________ and exposed the harsh realities of life in the prison system.
hard-hitting
Due to the __________ of the meeting, each speaker was limited to just two minutes.
time constraints
DEFINITION: A general rule or belief that influences behavior or decision-making:
principle
Doing paperwork is _____and _____ of the job.
part and parcel
A lot of people take _____ a different role.
on
Come on, __________! Tell me what you really think!
don't hold back
Her essay was well-researched, but far too _____. It could have been half as long and just as effective.
verbose
If you had _____ of sincerity in the past, you would be more trusted now.
given the semblance
Both authors were _____ of the French philosopher Satre.
disciples
DEFINITION: To take advice or seriously consider a caution or alert:
heed a warning
Rice is a __________ food in many Asian cuisines, commonly served with nearly every meal.
staple
DEFINITION: To begin repeating a familiar or habitual behavior:
falling into the same pattern: