Phrases & Expressions

To see something or someone for only a very short moment.

• Crowds waited for hours just to catch a fleeting glimpse of the famous actor as he left the hotel.
• From the train window, we caught a fleeting glimpse of the sea before we entered the tunnel.

A short, clever phrase, especially from a politician, that news programmes are likely to quote.

• Voters are tired of politicians who offer a catchy soundbite instead of a detailed plan.
• Her speech was full of catchy soundbites that were repeated on every news channel the next day.

To start a serious quarrel or split that separates people who were previously close.

• Disagreements over the inheritance caused a rift between the brothers that lasted for years.
• The new immigration policy has caused a rift within the ruling party.

To make someone feel extremely upset, worried or unhappy.

• Cyberbullying can cause distress that affects a young person's sleep, schoolwork and friendships.
• The sudden closure of the care home caused distress to many elderly residents and their families.

To stop doing business or operating completely, used of companies and organisations.

• The decision to cease operations at the mine left hundreds of local workers without jobs.
• If its funding is not renewed, the charity may be forced to cease operations by the end of the year.

To remember a person who has died by focusing happily on the good things they did.

• Instead of a traditional funeral, the family held a party to celebrate her life with music and photographs.
• Thousands of fans gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the life of the much-loved former goalkeeper.

To mark the 100th anniversary of an important event with special activities.

• Orchestras around the world celebrated the centenary of the composer's birth with special concerts.
• The university will celebrate the centenary of its foundation next year with a series of public lectures.

To make a relationship or agreement between people or groups stronger and more lasting.

• The two governments hope the new trade agreement will cement the relationship between their countries.
• Regular team-building events can help cement relationships between colleagues from different departments.

To keep contacting someone to make them pay money or do something they owe you.

• Freelance designers often waste hours chasing clients for unpaid invoices.
• Our old landlord is still chasing us for the last electricity bill, even though we moved out in May.

A description of real or imagined events that is so disturbing it makes you feel afraid.

• The survivor's memoir gives a chilling account of daily life inside the prison camp.
• The report provides a chilling account of how easily criminals can steal personal data online.