Phrases & Expressions

Something ugly, such as a building or quarry, that spoils the natural beauty of an area.

• Environmental campaigners describe the abandoned quarry as a scar on the landscape.
• Planners insisted that the new solar farm be surrounded by hedges so that it would not become a scar on the landscape.

A very small amount of something, used mainly in negative sentences.

• The minister claims the policy is working, but there isn't a scrap of evidence to support this.
• There isn't a scrap of truth in the rumour that the company is closing down.

Even the smallest amount of proof, mostly used in negative sentences.

• The police released the man because they did not have a shred of evidence linking him to the robbery.
• The journalist made serious accusations against the company without a shred of evidence to support them.

(disapproving) someone who always wears whatever is fashionable, even if it is uncomfortable or expensive.

• My sister is a slave to fashion and buys new shoes every time a trend changes.
• Advertising encourages young people to become slaves to fashion, spending money they don't have.

A sudden, strong and angry reaction from a large number of people.

• The decision to close the local hospital caused a storm of protest among residents.
• Plans to build a motorway through the forest have provoked a storm of protest from environmental groups.

To become known to the public for the first time, used about a piece of news.

• As soon as a major story breaks, news websites update their front pages within minutes.
• Reporters were waiting outside the minister's house within an hour of the story breaking.

A cheerful character that makes someone happy and positive most of the time.

• Thanks to her sunny disposition, the new receptionist quickly became popular with patients and staff.
• Even during her long stay in hospital, my grandmother never lost her sunny disposition and joked with the nurses every day.

A careless comment that hurts someone's feelings because the speaker did not think first.

• His tactless remark about her weight upset her so much that she left the party early.
• The minister apologised for a tactless remark about unemployed people that caused anger online.

A short-lived change in figures that does not affect the general trend.

• Most analysts see the recent drop in tourist numbers as a temporary blip caused by the unusually bad weather.
• After a temporary blip in March, visitor numbers recovered and reached a record high in the summer.

A person who gives you a lot of emotional support during a difficult time.

• Throughout my father's long illness, my older sister was a tower of strength for the whole family.
• During his long recovery from the operation, his wife proved to be a tower of strength.