Phrases & Expressions

To become a member of an organisation that protects workers' pay and conditions.

• Nurses are being encouraged to join a trade union to fight for better pay and safer working hours.
• When I started at the factory, my colleagues advised me to join the trade union straight away.

To take part in the celebrations and enjoyable events of a festival or special occasion.

• Tourists are welcome to join in the festivities, which include street music and traditional dancing.
• Even the shopkeepers closed early so that they could join in the festivities in the main square.

Interesting and often shocking information about other people's private lives.

• Celebrity magazines sell millions of copies because readers love juicy gossip about famous people's relationships.
• My aunt always phones on Sundays to share the latest juicy gossip about the neighbours.

To drive past a traffic light when it is red instead of stopping.

• Cameras have been installed at busy junctions to catch drivers who jump red lights.
• The taxi driver jumped a red light and nearly hit a cyclist who was crossing the junction.

To watch someone or something carefully, especially to notice any problems.

• Doctors will keep a close eye on the patient for twenty-four hours after the operation.
• Investors are keeping a close eye on interest rates, which could rise again later this year.

To continue doing what you have firmly decided to do, even when it is difficult.

• She kept her resolution to cycle to work every day, and she now feels much fitter.
• It is hard to keep a New Year's resolution after January.

(of a shop or business) to make sure that a quantity of a product is always ready to sell.

• Pharmacies try to keep popular medicines in stock so that customers never have to wait.
• We don't usually keep that model in stock, but we can order it for you within a few days.

To not feel sure of yourself or of your ability to do things well.

• Many capable students lack confidence in speaking exams because they worry too much about grammar mistakes.
• He is a talented designer, but he lacks the confidence to show his work to potential clients.

A reason for doing something wrong that is too weak for anyone to believe.

• Saying that the dog ate your homework is a lame excuse that no teacher will believe.
• He gave some lame excuse about the traffic, but everyone knew he had simply overslept.

To start a planned series of advertisements in order to promote a product, service or idea.

• The charity launched an advertising campaign to encourage more young people to donate blood.
• Before launching an advertising campaign, companies usually research which age group they want to reach.