Phrases & Expressions

To spend money, especially when you are unwilling to do so.

• Online shops make it so easy to pay with one click that we part with our money without really thinking.
• My grandfather hates parting with his money, so he always repairs things instead of buying new ones.

To officially approve new laws, as a parliament or government does.

• Several countries have passed legislation that requires large companies to report their carbon emissions.
• The government promised to pass legislation protecting workers in the gig economy before the next election.

To bring advantages or good results, often at a later time.

• Regular revision throughout the year paid dividends when exam season finally arrived.
• The company's investment in staff training has paid dividends, as productivity has risen sharply.

To praise someone publicly and show respect for them, especially after their death or retirement.

• Hundreds of former students attended the ceremony to pay tribute to a teacher who had worked at the school for forty years.
• The health minister paid tribute to the nurses and doctors who had kept hospitals running during the pandemic.

Opposing an unfair government, law or decision through protest, without using any violence.

• The protesters remained committed to peaceful resistance, even when police used tear gas against them.
• Months of peaceful resistance, including sit-ins and silent marches, finally persuaded the council to save the old library.

To make an unfair difference between groups in society continue for a long time.

• Critics say that expensive private tutoring perpetuates inequality, because only wealthier families can afford it.
• Policies that ignore the needs of rural areas risk perpetuating inequality between the countryside and the cities.

A sudden shriek so sharp and shrill that it seems to cut through the air.

• A piercing scream from the flat upstairs made everyone rush to the window.
• The horror film opens with a piercing scream that makes half the audience jump.

A reason for something that seems likely to be true.

• The student failed to offer a plausible explanation for the identical paragraphs in his two essays.
• Lack of sleep is a plausible explanation for the drop in students' concentration during morning lessons.

To make a serious public promise to do something, often on behalf of an organisation or government.

• At the summit, several governments pledged to plant millions of trees, but critics doubted the promise would be kept.
• The university has pledged to offer free mental health support to every student who needs it.

A lack of clean toilets, drains and safe ways of removing waste and dirty water.

• Poor sanitation is a major cause of diseases such as cholera in overcrowded urban areas.
• Many schools in rural districts suffer from poor sanitation, which keeps some girls away from lessons.