Phrases & Expressions

(informal) permanently, so that you can keep something and do not have to give it back.

• My cousin lent me her old guitar, then told me I could have it for keeps.
• Is this jacket just a loan, or can I have it for keeps?

To realise in advance that difficulties are likely to happen.

• The project manager foresaw problems with the supplier early on, so she found another company to provide the materials.
• If you foresee any problems with the deadline, please let me know as soon as possible.

Used to say that the design of something should be based on its purpose.

• The architect believes that form follows function, so the building is very plain.
• In this kitchen, form follows function: every cupboard has a clear purpose.

A way of living in which you spend little money and avoid waste.

• Some young people are choosing a frugal lifestyle so that they can save enough to buy a home.
• Her grandparents' frugal lifestyle, which involved repairing everything and wasting nothing, is now seen as environmentally friendly.

A partnership in which people work together and achieve useful, successful results.

• The project was the result of a fruitful collaboration between engineers and local farmers.
• We hope this agreement will lead to a long and fruitful collaboration between our two universities.

Very happy, cheerful and full of energy.

• After her holiday, my manager came back to work full of the joys of spring and bursting with new ideas.
• I'm not exactly full of the joys of spring at six o'clock on a Monday morning.

A fuller or more detailed explanation of something that is not completely clear.

• The spokesperson's statement was vague, so journalists pressed for further clarification on when the rules would apply.
• The committee asked for further clarification of how the money would be spent before approving the project.

To cause a lot of public argument and disagreement.

• The proposal to ban cars from the city centre has generated considerable controversy among local businesses.
• Genetic engineering continues to generate controversy, as people disagree strongly about its risks and benefits.

To make people curious about something or enthusiastic about it.

• Free museum entry has helped to generate interest in history among teenagers.
• The documentary generated a lot of interest in ocean conservation and led to a rise in donations.

To produce income for a business, organisation or government.

• Tourism generates significant revenue for many small island nations, but it can also damage the environment.
• The council hopes the new parking charges will generate revenue to repair the town's roads.