Phrases & Expressions

To happen at the same time as something else.

• The festival was planned to coincide with the start of the school holidays.
• This year my birthday coincides with the first day of spring.

To take action to reduce crime or stop it from increasing.

• The city council has hired more officers and installed better street lighting to combat crime.
• Education and job opportunities may do more to combat crime than longer prison sentences.

To seem to have a particular quality, especially to people who do not know you well.

• His speech was well written, but he came over as nervous because he read it far too fast.
• In interviews, it is important not to come over as too rehearsed or robotic.

To be criticised publicly, often by many people at the same time.

• Any plan to raise tuition fees is bound to come under criticism from students and their families.
• Social media companies have come under criticism for failing to protect young users from harmful content.

To be examined very carefully, often because people suspect something is wrong.

• The company's safety record has come under scrutiny after a series of accidents at its factories.
• Social media platforms are coming under increasing scrutiny for the way they handle users' personal data.

To be unable to make progress because something or someone is blocking you.

• Campaigners hoping to save the old library came up against a brick wall when the council refused to discuss the matter.
• We've come up against a brick wall with the planning application, so we may need to hire a lawyer.

To hold a public ceremony or event on the date when something important happened in the past.

• Every year on 10 November, people across Turkey commemorate the anniversary of Atatürk's death.
• A minute's silence was held in schools to commemorate the anniversary of the earthquake.

To begin a job, task or project, used mainly in official language.

• Builders are expected to commence work on the new city library in early spring.
• Successful applicants will be expected to commence work at the beginning of September.

To go well together, with each one adding qualities that the other lacks.

• In a strong team, members' skills complement each other, so a weakness in one person is covered by another.
• Online lessons and classroom teaching can complement each other well if they are planned carefully.

Total support for someone that never weakens, even in difficult times.

• The new manager quickly earned the complete loyalty of her team by defending them in front of senior directors.
• The club rewards fans who have shown complete loyalty for many years.