Phrases & Expressions

At the moment when something begins.

• At the onset of the illness, symptoms were mild.
• At the onset of winter, the weather changed.

The process of moving scientific discoveries from the lab to clinical use for patients.

• The goal is bench to bedside translation of new therapies.
• This initiative supports bench to bedside research.

A repair made by bonding a patch using adhesive.

• A bonded repair is often stronger than a bolted one.
• The technician recommended a bonded repair for the wing.

The command given just before an emergency landing, telling passengers to take the brace position.

• The pilot announced, 'Brace brace brace!'
• Passengers heard 'Brace brace brace' over the intercom.

To fly faster than the speed of sound.

• The experimental jet was designed to break the sound barrier.
• Many pilots dreamed of being the first to break the sound barrier.

To overcome an invisible barrier that prevents advancement, especially in a career.

• She hopes to break through the glass ceiling in her field.
• Many women are still trying to break through the glass ceiling.

To kill someone, especially in a planned or secret way.

• In the film, the gang try to bump off the main witness.
• He claimed someone was trying to bump him off.

An aviation warning about dangerous air turbulence caused by a preceding aircraft.

• The controller said 'caution wake turbulence' because a heavy jet had just departed.
• The tower warned the small aircraft with 'caution wake turbulence' before it landed.

The heraldic emblem of a Scottish clan worn on a metal badge over the bonnet, surrounded by a strap and buckle for clan members.

• A new clan crest was struck for the gathering.
• A clan crest of the chief himself appears without the strap and buckle.

Said by the ground crew to tell the pilots that the area is clear and an engine may be started.

• The ground engineer said, "Clear to start engine two."
• The captain waited for "clear to start" before turning the start switch.