Phrases & Expressions

To rain very heavily.

• Take an umbrella – it's been chucking it down all morning.
• It chucked it down during the match, but the fans stayed until the final whistle.

To mention a study, fact or example as proof that what you are saying is true.

• Supporters of the sugar tax often cite falling soft drink sales as evidence that the policy works.
• The author cites several recent studies as evidence for her claim that homework has little benefit for young children.

To formally ask a foreign government for protection because it is not safe to return home.

• Thousands of families fleeing the war claimed asylum in neighbouring countries last year.
• People who claim asylum often have to wait many months for a decision on their case.

To take strong official action to stop or reduce an activity.

• Police are clamping down on drivers who use their mobile phones at the wheel.
• Universities have started to clamp down on students who use AI tools to write their essays.

To close your hand very tightly, usually because you are angry or determined.

• He clenched his fists and tried hard to stay calm while the referee explained the decision.
• Reading the unfair online comments about her research, she clenched her fists but decided not to reply.

To take away future opportunities from someone.

• Posting offensive comments online can close doors for you when employers check your social media.
• Leaving school without any qualifications can close doors later in life.

To end your involvement with something, such as a period of your life, and move on.

• After the divorce, she sold the house and closed the door on that part of her life.
• The company has closed the door on its loss-making phone business and will now focus on laptops.

To make you less able to think clearly and make sensible decisions.

• Her strong dislike of the manager clearly clouded her judgement when she wrote the report.
• Stress and lack of sleep can cloud your judgement, so avoid making big decisions when you're exhausted.

A set of ideas that is clearly organised and logical, so it is easy to follow.

• To score highly in IELTS Writing Task 2, you need to present a coherent argument supported by relevant examples.
• The opposition has criticised the plan but has not yet offered a coherent argument against it.

To invent a new word or expression that other people then start to use.

• The writer who coined the term 'digital native' wanted to describe young people who grew up surrounded by technology.
• Journalists often coin a term for a new social trend, and within months everyone seems to be using it.