Phrases & Expressions

A happy, lively feeling in a place where people are celebrating something.

• Coloured lights and live music created a festive atmosphere throughout the old town.
• The school tries to create a festive atmosphere at graduation, with music, flowers and a family picnic.

To resist an illness and stop it from developing, using the body's natural defences.

• Regular exercise and a balanced diet help the immune system fight off infections more effectively.
• Antibiotics can help the body fight off a bacterial infection, but they are useless against viruses.

Money that you receive in return for your work or effort.

• Many people who work for charities say that helping others matters more to them than financial reward.
• Scientific research rarely brings great financial rewards, but many researchers find the work deeply satisfying.

To feel that something is unpleasant in a way that makes you lose interest in it.

• Many diners find loud background music off-putting and choose quieter restaurants instead.
• Some international students find the complicated application process off-putting and apply to other universities.

A humorous reply meaning that nice words will not persuade you to do what someone wants.

• 'You're the best teacher in the school!' 'Thank you, but flattery will get you nowhere – the deadline is still Friday.'
• When my son praised my cooking and then asked for money, I laughed and told him flattery will get you nowhere.

To arrive somewhere in such large numbers that it is difficult to deal with them.

• When the tech companies opened new offices, young graduates flooded into the city looking for work.
• Within minutes of the sale starting, shoppers flooded into the store and emptied the shelves.

To act according to a particular plan or set of principles, especially as a government or organisation.

• The central bank has followed a policy of keeping interest rates low to encourage borrowing.
• Our school follows a strict policy on mobile phones, which must be switched off during lessons.

Throughout an event or period, from its start to its finish.

• Many international students stay with a host family for the duration of their course.
• Local residents will have to use a diversion for the duration of the roadworks, which should take six months.

To stop feeling angry with someone for what they did and behave as if it never happened.

• After years of not speaking, the two brothers decided to forgive and forget for the sake of their mother.
• Their friendship survived the argument because both of them were willing to forgive and forget.

To develop a strong feeling of friendship, love or trust with someone.

• During her long stay in hospital, she formed a close bond with the nurse who looked after her every night.
• Team-building activities can help new employees form close bonds with colleagues they would otherwise rarely meet.