Phrases & Expressions

Something such as a film, show or product that fails completely.

• The company's smart glasses were a total flop because few people wanted to wear them in public.
• Our first attempt at a school musical was a total flop, but we learnt a lot from it.

To succeed in making a country's economy expand so that it produces more goods and services.

• Many developing nations hope to achieve economic growth without causing serious damage to their forests and rivers.
• The new finance minister promised to achieve economic growth while also reducing unemployment among young people.

To start dealing with a problem or question and try to find an answer to it.

• This essay will first address the issue of cost before turning to the environmental arguments.
• Governments must address the issue of youth unemployment urgently, or social tensions are likely to grow.

To accept an arrangement in which both sides stop shooting so that peace talks can take place.

• Aid workers could only reach the civilians in the city once the warring groups agreed to a ceasefire.
• International leaders urged the two sides to agree to a ceasefire before more lives were lost.

A single example or case of something happening.

• The report describes several instances of cheating in online exams last year.
• This is just one instance of how social media can spread false health advice quickly.

To connect one thing with another in your mind.

• Many people associate the colour green with nature and environmental protection.
• Many older people still associate tattoos with sailors, whereas younger generations often see them as a form of art.

Very quickly, in a way that makes people worried.

• Tropical rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate because of logging and farming.
• House prices in the capital have risen at an alarming rate, pushing many young families out of the city.

With very little warning before something happens.

• She had to travel at short notice for a family emergency.
• They cancelled the meeting at short notice.

To make newspapers, television and websites interested in reporting something.

• The student's research on plastic pollution attracted media attention around the world.
• Celebrities often use charity events to attract media attention to themselves as well as to the cause.

To give a short performance so that someone can decide whether you are suitable for a role.

• More than five hundred young actors auditioned for the part of the main character.
• She is nervous because she is auditioning for a part in the university's production of a Shakespeare play.