Phrases & Expressions

A short, clear account of the main points of something, with no unnecessary words.

• In IELTS Writing Task 1, your overview should give a succinct summary of the main trends in the chart.
• The report ended with a succinct summary that busy managers could read in less than a minute.

To be too nice to someone in authority, praising them falsely to gain an advantage.

• Everyone knows he only offers to make the boss coffee because he wants to suck up to her.
• Students who suck up to their teachers are not always popular with their classmates.

To take legal action against someone for publishing false statements that damage your reputation.

• The businessman threatened to sue the newspaper for libel after it falsely claimed he had avoided paying tax.
• The footballer decided to sue the website for libel, and a year later he received a public apology.

To experience a problem that delays progress or makes a situation worse.

• The peace talks suffered a major setback when one side walked out of the negotiations.
• Her recovery suffered a setback when she caught an infection in hospital.

To be unhealthy because you do not get enough food or the right kinds of food.

• Children who suffer from malnutrition in their early years often find it harder to concentrate at school.
• During the long drought, thousands of people in the region suffered from severe malnutrition.

A large, expensive and impressive meal with very rich food.

• The wedding guests were served a sumptuous seven-course meal, followed by dancing until midnight.
• The hotel's website promised a sumptuous meal every evening, but the reality was rather disappointing.

Extremely hot weather that makes people feel very uncomfortable.

• Tourists queued for hours in the sweltering heat to get into the museum.
• Workers on building sites are at risk of heatstroke during periods of sweltering heat.

To start making goods in another factory or country instead of the original one.

• After the flood damaged its main plant, the company had to switch production to a factory in the north.
• The clothing brand switched production back to its home country after customers complained about quality.

To deal with something in a very strict way and refuse to make any compromises.

• The new head teacher has taken a hard line on bullying, and several pupils have already been suspended.
• Some countries take a hard line on drug offences, while others focus more on treatment.

To deal with a situation by acting early to control it, not just responding once problems appear.

• Schools that take a proactive approach to bullying usually have fewer serious incidents than those that only react.
• Health experts urge people to take a more proactive approach to their own wellbeing by exercising regularly.