Phrases & Expressions

To love doing something or be extremely interested in it.

• Teachers who have a passion for their subject can make even difficult topics interesting.
• My sister has always had a passion for cooking, so nobody was surprised when she opened her own café.

To try to do something, especially when you are not sure you will succeed.

• I'd never written a poem before, but I decided to have a shot at the creative writing competition.
• If you don't know the answer, have a shot at it anyway — there's no penalty for wrong answers.

To have pain in your neck that makes it hard to turn your head.

• Office workers who spend hours looking down at laptops often have a stiff neck by the end of the day.
• If you have a stiff neck, gentle stretching and a warm shower can help the muscles relax.

To stop for a short stay in a place during a long journey, especially by plane.

• On our way to Australia, we had a two-day stopover in Singapore to break up the journey.
• If you have a stopover in Dubai, it's worth leaving the airport to see the city for a day.

To remember something only slightly and without any clear details.

• I have a vague memory of visiting the castle as a small child, but I can't remember much else.
• Most adults have only a vague memory of the chemistry they studied at school.

To have a strong wish to achieve a particular goal in the future.

• Many of the students on the course have ambitions to start their own businesses after graduating.
• The club has ambitions to become one of the top teams in Europe within five years.

To become ill after eating, touching or breathing in something your body is very sensitive to.

• Restaurants should label their dishes clearly, as some customers could have a serious allergic reaction to nuts.
• My sister had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics and came out in red spots all over her arms.

To have a clear and noticeable effect on someone or something, often a strong one.

• Few inventions have had as great an impact on daily life as the smartphone.
• Rising housing costs have a direct impact on where students choose to study and live.

To cause particular results or effects, often bad ones, for someone or something.

• Rising sea levels will have serious consequences for millions of people living in low-lying coastal cities.
• Cutting funding for public libraries could have long-term consequences for children's reading skills.

To include both good and bad periods over time.

• Every career has its ups and downs, so it's important not to give up after one bad year.
• Studying abroad has its ups and downs, but for most students the good moments far outweigh the bad.