Phrases & Expressions

To receive an angry or unfriendly reaction from people.

• Plans to build a wind farm near the village met with hostility from local residents.
• New ideas in science often meet with hostility before they are finally accepted by other researchers.

To be accepted or liked by a particular person or group.

• The new uniform design did not meet with the students' approval, so the school asked for alternative ideas.
• Any changes to the building plans must first meet with the council's approval.

The dishonest or careless spending of government money on things it was not meant for.

• The mayor was forced to resign after an investigation found evidence of misuse of public funds.
• Strict auditing rules are designed to prevent the misuse of public funds by government departments.

Fairly similar to something; used to say that two things are quite alike.

• The proposed tax reforms are not dissimilar to those introduced by the previous government.
• The taste of this tropical fruit is not dissimilar to mango, though it is slightly more sour.

Causing a certain amount of public disagreement or argument.

• The decision to raise tuition fees was not without controversy, and students protested for several weeks.
• The use of artificial intelligence to mark school exams has not been without controversy.

To formally tell someone that you are sorry that a person close to them has died.

• The head teacher offered her condolences to the family on behalf of the whole school.
• I would like to offer my condolences on the death of your father; he was a wonderful teacher.

To make it illegal to use something by passing a law.

• Many countries have outlawed the use of single-use plastic bags in supermarkets.
• Campaigners want the government to outlaw the use of certain pesticides that harm bees.

To officially reverse a court's ruling, so that the original result no longer stands.

• The appeal court overturned the verdict after new DNA evidence proved the man was innocent.
• It is rare for judges to overturn a verdict reached by a jury.

To officially approve new laws, as a parliament or government does.

• Several countries have passed legislation that requires large companies to report their carbon emissions.
• The government promised to pass legislation protecting workers in the gig economy before the next election.

To praise someone publicly and show respect for them, especially after their death or retirement.

• Hundreds of former students attended the ceremony to pay tribute to a teacher who had worked at the school for forty years.
• The health minister paid tribute to the nurses and doctors who had kept hospitals running during the pandemic.