Phrases & Expressions

To observe or examine something carefully and for a significant amount of time.

• Take a long look at the painting; you might learn something.
• He took a long look at himself in the mirror.

To ask a group of people questions to find out their opinions or what they want.

• The news channel will take a poll of public opinion.
• We need to take a poll to see what the customers prefer.

Practical help or advice given to someone to solve a problem or perform a task, especially in technology or a specific field.

• The company offers excellent technical assistance to its customers.
• We need technical assistance to set up the new software.

A trip or holiday focused on a specific subject, like history or food, visiting related places.

• We booked a history theme tour in Rome.
• She loves art, so a museum theme tour is perfect.

An extremely small amount of a substance that can be detected or measured.

• The water contained a trace amount of lead.
• The tests found only trace amounts of the drug in his blood.

To rely on and believe in your natural feelings and intuition.

• Trust your instincts; they are usually right.
• She decided to trust her instincts and take the risk.

Growth that happens rapidly as users share the product with others.

• The app experienced viral growth after launch.
• Viral growth is often driven by word-of-mouth.

Nearly impossible; almost impossible.

• It is virtually impossible to get a taxi here on a Friday night.
• Without a map, finding the cave would be virtually impossible.

The ability to stay calm.

• He kept a cool head when the fire alarm went off.
• You need a cool head in a crisis.

A calm and sensible person who makes good decisions.

• She's a level-headed person, even in a crisis.
• We need a level-headed leader for the team.