Phrases & Expressions

To keep something working or in use for longer than it normally would.

• Regular servicing can prolong the life of your car and save you money on repairs.
• Repairing smartphones instead of replacing them can prolong the life of each device and reduce electronic waste.

To encourage forms of tourism that protect the natural environment and benefit local people.

• Costa Rica has successfully promoted ecotourism as a way of protecting its rainforests while creating jobs.
• Governments can promote ecotourism by offering tax breaks to hotels that meet strict environmental standards.

Discussions aimed at reaching an agreement that go on for much longer than expected.

• After protracted negotiations, the union and the management finally agreed on a new pay deal.
• The trade agreement was signed only after protracted negotiations lasting more than three years.

To cause a strong feeling or response in people, often anger or surprise.

• The minister's comments about unemployed young people provoked an angry reaction on social media.
• Good advertising aims to provoke a reaction, whether it is laughter, surprise or simple curiosity.

To carry out a chosen course of action consistently, especially as a government or organisation.

• For the past decade, the government has pursued a policy of lowering taxes to attract foreign companies.
• If countries continue to pursue policies that ignore climate change, future generations will pay the price.

Parents who put too much pressure on their children to succeed, especially at school or in sport.

• Some teachers complain that pushy parents demand higher marks for their children instead of encouraging them to work harder.
• Pushy parents who sign their children up for endless extra classes may be doing more harm than good.

To set an upper limit on an amount, number or price.

• The government has put a ceiling on rent increases to protect tenants in big cities.
• The school has put a ceiling on class sizes, so no group will have more than twenty-five pupils.

To state formally, for example at a meeting, that you disagree with a plan, decision or idea.

• Nobody at the meeting raised an objection to the proposal, so it was approved immediately.
• Several scientists raised objections to the study, arguing that the sample was far too small.

To collect the money that is needed to start or develop a business.

• Small companies often find it difficult to raise capital because banks see them as too risky.
• The start-up raised capital by selling shares to its own customers through an online platform.

To get good results or benefits because of the hard work or effort you have made.

• Countries that invested heavily in education decades ago are now reaping the rewards of a highly skilled workforce.
• The small bakery reaped the rewards of its early investment in online delivery when the lockdowns began.