A1 (Basic)

holiday

I. hol‧i‧day¹ S1 W2 /ˈhɒlədi, ˈhɒlɪdi, -deɪ $ ˈhɑːlədeɪ/ BrE AmE noun
[Language: Old English; Origin: haligdæg 'holy day']
1. [uncountable and countable] British English (also holidays) a time of rest from work, school etc SYN vacation American English:
The school holidays start tomorrow.
on holiday
I’m away on holiday until the 1st of June.
in the holidays
He came to stay with us in the school holidays.
holiday from
a holiday from her usual responsibilities
REGISTER
In everyday British English, when someone is temporarily away from their work or studies, people often say they are off, rather than on holiday. Note, however, that off can also mean that someone is away from their work or studies because they are sick:
▪ ‘Where’s Kate?’ ‘She’s off this week.’
2. [uncountable and countable] British English (also holidays) a period of time when you travel to another place for pleasure SYN vacation American English:
We’re going to Spain for our holidays.
on holiday
He caught malaria while on holiday in Africa.
I haven’t had a proper holiday for two years.
3. [countable] a day fixed by law on which people do not have to go to work or school:
The 4th of July is a national holiday in the US.
4. the holiday season (also the holidays)
a) American English the period between Thanksgiving and New Year
b) British English the period in the summer when most people take a holiday
⇨ ↑bank holiday, ↑public holiday
• • •
GRAMMAR
Holidays is usually used after 'the', 'my', 'your' etc when it refers to a single period when you are travelling or are not working or studying:
▪ Soon it will be the holidays.
▪ Where do you want to go for your holidays?
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ verbs
▪ go on holiday The children were excited about going on holiday.
▪ have/take a holiday Teachers cannot take holidays during term time.
▪ book a holiday I booked the holiday online.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + holiday
▪ a skiing/camping/walking etc holiday They went on a camping holiday in France.
▪ a package holiday (=a holiday in which you pay a price that includes travel, room, and food) The company organizes package holidays to Spain and Greece.
▪ a summer holiday They were going to a house on the coast for their summer holidays.
▪ a winter holiday Why not try a winter holiday for a change?
▪ a family holiday I first visited Orkney on a family holiday when I was a boy.
▪ an annual holiday (=a holiday you take every year) We were getting ready for our annual holiday in Cornwall.
▪ your dream holiday (=the best holiday you can imagine) They won a dream holiday for two to the Caribbean.
■ holiday + NOUN
▪ a holiday resort (=a place with many hotels where a lot of people go on holiday) a holiday resort in Spain
▪ a holiday destination (=a town or country where a lot of people go on holiday) Marmaris is one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations.
▪ a holiday brochure (=a magazine that shows what holidays you can take) We were looking through holiday brochures thinking about the summer.
▪ holiday photos (also holiday snaps informal) (=photographs that you take when you are on holiday) Do you want to see our holiday snaps?
▪ a holiday romance (=a brief romantic relationship with someone you meet on holiday) It was just a holiday romance; I never saw him again.
▪ a holiday abroad (=a holiday in a country other than the one you live in) They were planning a holiday abroad that year.
■ phrases
▪ the holiday of a lifetime (=a very good or expensive holiday that you will only take once) We took the family on a holiday of a lifetime to Orlando, Florida.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ vacation especially American English, holiday especially British English time you spend away from school or work: Are you taking a vacation this summer? | We met on holiday in Cyprus. | What are you doing in the school holidays?
▪ holiday a day that is set by law, when no one has to go to work or school: the Thanksgiving holiday | New Year's Day is a national holiday. | In 2002, there was an extra public holiday to mark the Queen's golden jubilee. | the August bank holiday (=day when all the banks and shops are closed – used in British English)
▪ break a time when you stop working or studying in order to rest, or a short vacation from school: a ten-minute coffee break | Lots of college kids come to the beaches during the spring break.
▪ leave a time when you are allowed not to work: We get four weeks' annual leave (=paid time off work each year). | He has been taking a lot of sick leave (=time off work because you are ill) recently. | Angela is on maternity leave (= time off work when having a baby). | He was given compassionate leave (=time off work because someone close to you has died, is very ill etc) to go to his father's funeral.
▪ sabbatical [usually singular] a period when someone, especially a teacher, stops doing their usual work in order to study or travel: She was on sabbatical for six months. | I'm thinking of taking a sabbatical.
▪ furlough a period of time when a soldier or someone working in another country can return to their own country as a holiday: While on furlough, he and his girlfriend got married.
▪ R & R (rest and relaxation) a holiday, especially one given to people in the army, navy etc after a long period of hard work or during a war: Soldiers in Vietnam were taken to Hawaii for R & R.
II. holiday² BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
British English to spend your holiday in a place – used especially in news reports SYN vacation American English
holiday in/at
They’re holidaying in Majorca.

remember

re‧mem‧ber S1 W1 /rɪˈmembə $ -ər/ BrE AmE verb
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: remembrer, from Late Latin rememorari, from Latin memor; ⇨ ↑memory]
1. THE PAST [intransitive and transitive] to have a picture or idea in your mind of people, events, places etc from the past ⇨ forget:
Do you remember Rosa Davies?
I can’t remember her exact words.
remember (that)
I remember you two couldn’t stand each other at first!
remember (somebody) doing something
I remember meeting her at a party once.
I remember my father bringing home a huge Christmas tree.
I remember it well; I’d never seen my mother so angry.
She clearly remembers the excitement as they boarded the train.
I vaguely remember reading something about it in the paper.
They had three children, if I remember rightly.
They’ve lived here for as long as I can remember.
No one got drunk as far as I can remember.
2. INFORMATION/FACTS [intransitive and transitive] to bring information or facts that you know into your mind ⇨ forget:
You left your keys on the table, remember?
I can’t remember her phone number.
remember (that)
I suddenly remembered that I’d left the stove on.
remember what/how/why etc
I called the office, but I don’t remember who I spoke to.
3. TO DO/GET SOMETHING [intransitive and transitive] to not forget something that you must do, get, or bring:
I hope he remembers the wine.
remember to do something
Remember to take your P.E. clothes to school.
4. KEEP SOMETHING IN MIND [transitive] to keep a particular fact about a situation in your mind:
Remember, processed food is usually full of salt and sugar.
remember that
Remember that not everyone has as much money as you.
it should/must be remembered (that)
It should be remembered that a lot of work went into this event.
5. HONOUR THE DEAD [transitive] to think with respect about someone who has died, often in a ceremony:
On this day we remember the dead of two world wars.
6. be remembered for/as something to be famous for something important that you did in the past:
He is best remembered for his travel books.
Johnson wanted to be remembered as ‘the education president.’
7. GIVE SOMEBODY A PRESENT [transitive] to give someone a present on a particular occasion:
Lilian always remembers me at Christmas.
remember somebody in your will (=arrange for someone to have something of yours after you die)
8. remember me to somebody spoken used to ask someone to give a greeting from you to someone else
• • •
GRAMMAR
If you remember doing something, you have a picture in your mind of the time when you did it:
▪ I remember playing there when I was little.
If you remember to do something, you do not forget to do what you had intended:
▪ We must remember to close that window.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adverbs
▪ remember well (=thoroughly and completely) I remember so well my first day there.
▪ remember clearly/vividly/distinctly (=well, with a lot of detail) I remember clearly how I used to feel as a child in church on Sundays.
▪ remember vaguely/dimly (=not well) He could vaguely remember his mother’s face.
▪ remember fondly (=in a way that shows you liked someone or something a lot) The restaurant is fondly remembered by many.
▪ remember rightly/correctly You were still at school, if I remember rightly.
▪ hardly/barely remember (=almost not at all) I can hardly remember him.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ remember to form an idea in your mind of people, events, places etc from the past: I remember Janine – she lived in that house on the corner. | I can’t remember how the film ends. | He remembered meeting her at a party once.
▪ recall to remember a particular fact, event, or situation, especially in order to tell someone about it: Can you recall where your husband was that night? | She recalled that he had seemed a strange, lonely man.
▪ recollect formal to remember an event or situation: Harry smiled as he recollected the scene. | She tried to recollect what had happened next in her dream.
▪ memorize to learn facts, a piece of writing or music etc, so that you can remember them later: He’s trying to memorize his speech. | Don’t write down your PIN number, memorize it.
▪ think back/look back to think about something that happened in the past: I thought back to when I was his age. | Looking back, I should have been more patient with her. | We need to stop looking back and start thinking about the future.
▪ reminisce /ˌreməˈnɪs, ˌremɪˈnɪs/ to talk about pleasant events, people, experiences etc from the past, because you want to remember them or enjoy talking about them: They were reminiscing about old times. | I used to spend hours listening to my grandfather reminisce.
▪ bear something in mind to remember something important when you are doing something, because it could affect what you do: Bear in mind that this is the first time he’s done this.
▪ something is on the tip of your tongue used to say that you know a word or a name but that you have difficulty remembering it at this exact moment: His name’s on the tip of my tongue. I’ll think of it in a minute.
▪ remind somebody of something to make you think of another person, thing, or time, because they are similar: It reminds me of the time when I first started teaching. | The taste reminded him of school dinners.

warm

I. warm¹ S2 W2 /wɔːm $ wɔːrm/ BrE AmE adjective
[Word Family: noun: ↑warmth, the warm, ↑warmer, ↑warming; adverb: ↑warmly, ↑warm; adjective: ↑warm, ↑warming; verb: ↑warm]
[Language: Old English; Origin: wearm]
1. BE WARM slightly hot, especially in a pleasant way OPP cool ⇨ warmth:
The house was lovely and warm.
I hope we get some warm weather soon.
I’ve put your dinner in the oven to keep it warm.
warm water
2. FEEL WARM if you are warm, your body is at a comfortable temperature:
Are you warm enough?
keep/stay warm (=wear enough clothes not to feel cold)
Make sure you keep warm!
You’ll be as warm as toast in that sleeping bag.
3. CLOTHES/BUILDINGS clothes or buildings that are warm can keep in heat or keep out cold:
Here, put on your nice warm coat.
4. FRIENDLY friendly or making someone feel comfortable and relaxed:
a warm, reassuring smile
Please give a warm welcome to our special guest.
a warm glow of satisfaction
The Hungarian people are warm and friendly.
5. COLOUR warm colours contain the colours red, yellow, and orange, which make you feel comfortable and happy OPP cool
6. CORRECT [not before noun] used especially in games to say that someone is near to guessing the correct answer or finding a hidden object OPP cold:
You’re getting warmer.

sad

sad S2 W3 /sæd/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative sadder, superlative saddest)
[Word Family: noun: ↑sadness, ↑saddo; adjective: ↑sad, ↑saddening; verb: ↑sadden; adverb: ↑sadly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: sæd 'having had enough']
1. FEELING UNHAPPY not happy, especially because something unpleasant has happened OPP happy
feel/look/sound sad
Dad looked sad and worried as he read the letter.
be sad to hear/see/read etc something
I was very sad to hear that he had died.
sad that
Lilly felt sad that Christmas was over.
sad about
I was sad about the friends I was leaving behind.
sad smile/face/expression etc
There was such a sad look in her eyes.
2. MAKING YOU UNHAPPY a sad event, situation etc makes you feel unhappy:
Sorry to hear the sad news.
It was a sad case. The boy ended up in prison.
sad story/song/film etc
a story with a sad ending
it is sad to see/hear etc something
It was sad to see them arguing.
sad time/day/moment etc
This is a sad day for us all.
3. NOT SATISFACTORY very bad or unacceptable:
There aren’t enough teachers, which is a sad state of affairs (=bad situation).
it’s sad that/when/if ...
It’s sad if people are too afraid to go out alone at night.
the sad fact is (that) spoken:
The sad fact is that prejudice still exists.
Sad to say (=unfortunately), the country is heading towards civil war.
4. LONELY a sad person has a dull, unhappy, or lonely life:
She’s a sad character – without any friends at all.
5. BORING informal boring or not deserving any respect:
Stay in on Saturday night? What a sad idea!
6. sadder and/but wiser having learned something from an unpleasant experience:
He came out of the relationship sadder but wiser.
⇨ ↑sadness
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ nouns
▪ a sad story/song/film He had listened patiently to his client’s sad story about her awful life.
▪ sad news It was with great shock that we heard the sad news that he had died.
▪ a sad fact It’s a sad fact that a significant amount of crime is committed by young people.
▪ the sad truth The sad truth is that the new law will not deter criminals.
▪ a sad day/time I’m really disappointed that this happened. It’s a sad day for football.
▪ a sad case Take the sad case of Gary Marsh, who was badly injured during a match.
▪ a sad ending The film has a sad ending.
▪ the sad thing (=the sad part of a situation) The sad thing is that there’s little we can do about the situation now.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ sad not happy: She felt sad as she waved goodbye. | a sad and lonely figure | a sad face | a sad film
▪ unhappy sad, especially for a long time – used about people and periods of time: I was unhappy at school. | an unhappy childhood | He’s obviously a deeply unhappy person.
▪ homesick [not before noun] sad because you are away from your home, family, and friends: She sometimes felt homesick when she first arrived in Japan.
▪ down [not before noun] informal feeling sad for a few hours or days, often for no reason: Whenever I’m feeling down, I go out and buy myself some new clothes. | She’s been kind of down since that argument with Jack.
▪ gloomy looking or sounding sad and without hope – used about people, places, and weather: Why are you all looking so gloomy? | the gloomy immigration office | a gloomy afternoon in February
▪ dejected/downcast looking sad and disappointed because something you hoped for did not happen: ‘I didn’t pass,’ he said, looking dejected. | a downcast expression | He was understandably downcast after the team’s loss.
▪ mournful especially literary looking or sounding sad: the dog’s big mournful eyes | the mournful sound of the church bell | a mournful expression
▪ glum looking sad and disappointed: Don’t look so glum! Maybe you’ll win next time. | They sat in glum silence.
▪ wistful especially literary looking a little sad and thoughtful, because you wish that the situation was different: She looked at him with a wistful smile.
■ very sad
▪ miserable very sad, especially because you are lonely, cold, ill, or upset – used about people and periods of time: I felt miserable and blamed myself for what had happened. | Her life was miserable. | I had a miserable time at college.
▪ depressed very sad and without hope for a long time, because things are wrong in your life or because of a medical condition: After his wife left him, he became depressed and refused to talk to anyone.
▪ heartbroken extremely sad because of something that has happened to someone or something that you care about very much: She was heartbroken when her dog died.
▪ distressed/distraught very upset because of something bad that has happened, so that you cannot think clearly: She was very distressed when he left her. | The boy’s hospital bed was surrounded by distraught relatives.
▪ devastated [not before noun] extremely sad and shocked, because something very bad has happened: The whole town was devastated by the tragedy.
■ COLLOCATIONS CHECK
▪ sad person/expression/story/song/film
▪ unhappy person/expression/childhood/marriage
▪ gloomy person/expression/place/weather
▪ dejected/downcast person/expression
▪ mournful sound/eyes/expression

talk

I. talk¹ S1 W1 /tɔːk $ tɒːk/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑talk, talks, ↑talker; verb: ↑talk; adjective: ↑talkative]
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: Probably from Old English talian 'to count, consider, tell']
1. CONVERSATION [intransitive] to say things to someone as part of a conversation:
I could hear Sarah and Andy talking in the next room.
talk about
English people love to talk about the weather.
All through the afternoon, they sat and talked about their trip.
talk to
She spent a long time talking to him.
She’s very easy to talk to.
talk with
I got the truth from talking with Elena.
talk together
They were talking together in the hall.
Sue and Bob still aren’t talking (=are refusing to talk to each other).
talk in a low voice/a whisper etc
They were talking in low voices, and I couldn’t catch what they were saying.
talk of (=used especially in formal or literary contexts)
We talked of old times.
2. SERIOUS SUBJECT [intransitive] to discuss something serious or important with someone:
Joe, we need to talk.
Is there somewhere we can talk in private?
talk to
You should talk to a lawyer.
talk about
We’ve been talking about getting married.
talk with
Parents should talk with their children about drug abuse.
talk sport/politics/business etc
‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently.
REGISTER
In written English, people usually say that they are going to discuss, deal with, or address a subject rather than talk about it:
▪ In this essay I will discuss the problem of over-population.
3. SAY WORDS [intransitive] to produce words and express thoughts, opinions, ideas etc:
She was talking so fast I could hardly understand her.
How do babies learn to talk?
Some residents were frightened to talk publicly.
talk (in) French/German etc
They started talking in Spanish.
Don’t let Dad hear you talking like that (=expressing things in a particular way).
4. A SPEECH [intransitive] to give a speech
talk on/about
Professor Davis will talk about ‘Trends in Network Computing’.
5. SECRET INFORMATION [intransitive] if someone who has secret information talks, they tell someone else about it:
Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.
He tried to stop his ex-wife from talking on live TV.
We should stop meeting like this. People will talk.
6. talk sense/rubbish/nonsense etc especially British English spoken used to say that you think someone is saying something sensible, something stupid etc:
You do talk rubbish sometimes, Jules.
7. talk (some) sense into somebody to persuade someone to behave sensibly:
She hoped Father McCormack would be able to talk some sense into her son.
8. talk to yourself to say your thoughts out loud:
‘What did you say?’ ‘Sorry, I was just talking to myself.’
9. know what you are talking about spoken to know a lot about a particular subject:
I worked in hotels for years, so I know what I’m talking about.
10. talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey informal to talk a lot, especially about unimportant things
11. talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc spoken used to emphasize that someone or something is very lazy, cheap, hungry etc:
Talk about lucky. That’s the second time he’s won this week!
12. talking of/about something spoken used to say more about a subject that someone has just mentioned:
Talking of Venice, have you seen the masks I bought there last year?
13. what are you talking about? spoken used when you think what someone has said is stupid or wrong:
What are you talking about? We got there in plenty of time.
14. I’m talking to you! spoken used when you are angry that the person you are talking to is not paying attention:
Rob! I’m talking to you!
15. be like talking to a brick wall spoken used to say that it is annoying to speak to someone because they do not pay attention to you
16. talk sb’s ear off American English spoken to talk too much to someone
17. talk trash American English informal to say rude or offensive things to or about someone, especially to opponents in a sports competition:
Both teams were talking trash on the court.
18. talk the talk American English informal to say the things that people expect or think are necessary in a particular situation:
She didn’t talk the talk of feminism, but her career was the most important thing in her life. ⇨ walk the walk at ↑walk¹(12)
19. I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something spoken used in conversation to emphasize a fact or remind someone of it:
I’m not talking about ancient history, I’m talking about last season’s performance.
20. now you’re talking spoken used to say that you think someone’s suggestion is a good idea:
‘Fancy an ice cream?’ ‘Now you’re talking.’
21. look who’s talking, you’re a fine one to talk, you can talk spoken used to tell someone they should not criticize someone else’s behaviour because their own behaviour is just as bad:
‘Peggy shouldn’t smoke so much.’ ‘Look who’s talking!’
22. we’re/you’re talking £500/three days etc spoken used to tell someone how much something will cost, how long something will take to do etc:
To do a proper job, you’re talking £750 minimum.
23. talk your way out of something informal to escape from a bad or embarrassing situation by giving explanations, excuses etc:
She’s good at talking her way out of trouble.
24. talk nineteen to the dozen British English informal, talk a blue streak American English informal to talk very quickly without stopping
25. talk in riddles to deliberately talk in a strange and confusing way:
Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on.
26. talk tough (on something) informal to give people your opinions very strongly:
The President is talking tough on crime.
27. talk shop if people talk shop, they talk about their work when there are people present who are not interested or involved in it – used to show disapproval:
Are you two going to talk shop all night?
28. talk dirty (to somebody) informal to talk in a sexual way to someone in order to make them feel sexually excited
29. be talking through your hat British English informal if someone is talking through their hat, they say stupid things about something that they do not understand
30. talk smack American English informal to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way
31. talk to the hand spoken informal used to tell someone rudely that you do not want to listen to anything he or she is going to say to you. When people use this expression, they also usually turn their face away from the other person and hold the ↑palm of their hand out towards them.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ talk to use words to communicate with someone about something: I need to talk to you about your work. | She always enjoyed talking to Jim. | Can we talk?
▪ speak to talk. Speak is a little more formal than talk. You often use it when saying that someone speaks in a particular way, or that you will speak to someone in order to try to get something done. You only use speak when saying that someone speaks a language: He spoke with confidence and authority. | She was speaking quietly so she didn’t disturb anyone. | I’d like to speak to the manager. | Do you speak German?
▪ go on/drone on/ramble to talk too much or for too long about something, in a way that makes people bored: He went on about how great the team was. | I’d better stop rambling and let you get on with your work.
▪ waffle /ˈwɒfəl $ ˈwɑː-/ British English disapproving informal to talk using a lot of words but without saying anything important: I wish he would stop waffling and get to the point!
▪ prattle on disapproving informal to talk continuously about silly and unimportant things: She prattled on about her boyfriend for the entire journey. | What’s he prattling on about now?
■ to talk about everyday things
▪ have a conversation to talk to someone for a long time about everyday things: She was having a conversation with one of her friends. | When I arrived, Joe and Jane were deep in conversation (=very involved in a conversation). | I can order food in a restaurant in French, but not have a conversation.
▪ chat/have a chat informal to have a friendly informal conversation about things that are not very important: The girls were chatting outside the house. | It’s been nice having a chat with you.
▪ gossip to talk about other people’s private lives when they are not there, especially about things that you have heard, which are not completely true: What are you two gossiping about?
▪ visit with somebody American English informal to have a conversation with someone: I visited with him last week.
▪ converse formal to have a conversation with someone: We met once and conversed briefly.
■ to talk seriously
▪ discuss to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans: They met to discuss how the building should be designed. | She refuses to discuss the matter.
▪ talk something over to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you: Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family. | You two need to sit down and talk things over.
▪ debate to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem: The issue will be debated on Tuesday. | The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.
talk around/round phrasal verb British English
1. talk somebody around/round to persuade someone to change their opinion about something:
Leave Betty to me. I’ll soon talk her round.
2. talk around/round something to discuss a problem without really dealing with the important parts of it:
They had spent half the night talking round the subject.
talk back phrasal verb
to answer someone in authority such as a teacher or parent in a rude or impolite way
talk somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb
1. British English to make something seem less successful, interesting, good etc than it really is:
the pessimists who are talking down Britain
2. to help a ↑pilot land an aircraft by giving them instructions from the ground by radio
talk down to somebody phrasal verb
to talk to someone as if they are stupid, although they are not SYN patronize:
The students felt that they were talked down to as though they were children.
talk somebody into something phrasal verb
to persuade someone to do something
talk somebody into doing something
My husband talked me into going skiing.
talk something ↔ out phrasal verb informal
1. to discuss a problem thoroughly in order to solve it:
We need to spend a little time talking this out.
talk something ↔ out with
It might help if you talked it out with Dad.
2. British English if politicians talk out a proposal, they talk about it for a long time deliberately so that there will not be enough time to vote on it SYN filibuster:
The Land Protection Bill was talked out by MPs from rural areas.
talk somebody out of something phrasal verb
to persuade someone not to do something
talk somebody out of doing something
Can’t you talk them out of selling the house?
talk something ↔ over phrasal verb
to discuss a problem with someone before deciding what to do
talk something ↔ over with
Talk over any worries with your GP.
talk through something phrasal verb
1. talk something ↔ through to discuss something thoroughly so that you are sure you understand it:
Allow time to talk through any areas of difficulty.
2. talk somebody through something to help someone understand a process, method etc by explaining it to them carefully before they use it:
Trevor talked me through loading the software.
talk something ↔ up phrasal verb
to make something appear more important, interesting, successful etc than it really is:
Jones talked up the idea at the meeting.

close

I. close¹ S1 W1 /kləʊz $ kloʊz/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: close, ↑closure, ↑closing; adjective: ↑closed, ↑closing; verb: ↑close]
[Word Family: adverb: ↑close, ↑closely; verb: ↑close; noun: ↑closeness; adjective: ↑close]
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: clos, past participle of clore 'to close', from Latin claudere]
1. SHUT [intransitive and transitive] to shut something in order to cover an opening, or to become shut in this way SYN shut OPP open ⇨ closed:
Would you mind if I closed the window?
She closed the curtains.
Let me do the car door – it won’t close properly.
Beth closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
She heard the door close behind her.
2. MOVE PARTS TOGETHER [intransitive and transitive] to move the parts of something together so that there is no longer a space between them:
Anne closed her book and stood up.
3. SHUT FOR PERIOD OF TIME [intransitive and transitive] (also close up) if a shop or building closes, or you close it, it stops being open to the public for a period of time OPP open SYN shut British English ⇨ closed:
The shops close at six.
Harry usually closes the store completely when he goes on vacation.
4. STOP OPERATING [intransitive and transitive] (also close down) if a company, shop etc closes, or you close it, it stops operating permanently SYN shut down ⇨ closed:
We have reluctantly decided to close the factory.
The shop closed down some time last year.
5. END [intransitive and transitive] to end or to make something end, especially in a particular way
close something with/by etc
I will now close the meeting by asking you to join me in a final toast.
close with
The movie closes with an emotional reunion in Prague.
closing remarks (=something you say at the end of a speech)
In her closing remarks, the judge urged the jury to consider the facts only.
6. close an account to stop having and using a bank account or other financial account:
My husband closed all my credit card accounts without even asking me.
7. IN MONEY MARKETS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to be worth a particular amount of money at the end of a day’s ↑trading (=the buying and selling of shares) on the ↑stock exchange
close at
The dollar closed at 64p against the pound.close up/down
Their shares closed 27p up (=worth 27p more).
8. close a deal/sale/contract etc to successfully agree a business deal, sale etc
9. OFFER FINISHES [intransitive] to finish on a particular date SYN end:
Our special offer closes on June 3.
10. MAKE DISTANCE/DIFFERENCE SMALLER [intransitive and transitive] to make the distance or difference between two things smaller:
an attempt to close the gap between the rich and poor
close on
The other car was closing on us fast.
11. MAKE SOMETHING UNAVAILABLE [intransitive and transitive] to make taking part in an activity or using an opportunity no longer possible ⇨ closed:
Bidding for the painting will close on Friday.
The country has now closed its borders to all foreign nationals (=will not let foreigners in).
The legislation aims to close a lot of legal loopholes.
12. be closed if a subject is closed, you are no longer willing to discuss it:
It was a regrettable incident but I now consider the matter closed.
13. close your doors (to somebody) to stop operating permanently:
In 1977 the Skyfame Aircraft Museum closed its doors to the public for the last time.
14. close your mind to/against something to refuse to think about something:
She wanted to close her mind to the outside world.
15. HOLD SOMETHING [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, transitive] if someone’s hands, arms etc close around something, or are closed around something, they hold it firmly
close (something) around/round/over etc something
Her left hand closed over his arm.
She closed her hand tightly around her bag.
16. WOUND [intransitive and transitive] (also close up) if a wound closes, or if someone closes it, the edges grow together again or are sewn together:
The surgeon closed the incision neatly.
17. close ranks
a) if people close ranks, they join together to protect each other, especially because their group, organization etc is being criticized
b) if soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together
18. close the book on something to stop working on something, especially a police operation, because it is not making any progress:
Detectives had closed the book on the Hornsey Murders case three years previously.
⇨ ↑closing date, ↑closing time, ⇨ close/shut the door on something at ↑door(9), ⇨ close your eyes to something at ↑eye¹(16)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ close to stop being open, or to make something stop being open. You use close and shut especially about your eyes, your mouth, a door, a window, or a container: Can I close the window? | Her eyes slowly closed. | He closed the door gently, so as not to wake the children.
▪ shut to close something . Shut sometimes has a feeling of doing something quickly and firmly, whereas close sounds more careful: He shut the door with a loud bang. | Shut your eyes and go to sleep.
▪ slam to close a door or lid quickly and noisily, especially because you are angry: She left the room, slamming the door behind her.
▪ draw the curtains to close curtains by pulling them across a window: The curtains were still drawn at ten o'clock in the morning.
▪ put the lid on something to close a container by putting a lid onto it: Did you put the lid on the cookie jar?
▪ seal to close something so that no air or water can get in or out: In this experiment, the chamber must be completely sealed.
close down phrasal verb
1. close something ↔ down if a company, shop etc closes down or is closed down, it stops operating permanently:
Paramount closed down its London office in 1968.
2. British English to stop broadcasting radio or television programmes at the end of the day:
BBC 2 closes down at 12:45 tonight.
close in phrasal verb
1. to move closer to someone or something, especially in order to attack them:
The snake closed in for the kill.
close in on/around/upon etc
enemy soldiers closing in on them from all sides
2. if the night, bad weather etc closes in, it becomes darker or gets worse:
The sun had set and dusk was closing in.
3. if the days close in, they become shorter because it is autumn
close something ↔ off phrasal verb
to separate a road, room etc from the area around it so that people cannot go there or use it:
The roads into the docks were closed off by iron gates.
close on somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to get nearer to someone or something that is moving in front or ahead of you:
The patrol car was rapidly closing on us.
2. American English to successfully arrange a ↑loan, especially in order to buy a house
close something ↔ out phrasal verb American English
1. to finish in a particular way:
The bond market closed out the week on a strong note.
2. if a store closes out a type of goods, they sell all of them cheaply:
We’re closing out this line of swimwear.
close up phrasal verb
1. close something ↔ up if a shop or building closes up or is closed up, it stops being open to the public for a period of time:
The resorts are all closed up for the season.
2. close up shop to stop doing something for a period of time or permanently:
When it rains, there is no alternative but to close up shop.
3. if a group of people close up, they move closer together
4. close something ↔ up if a wound closes up or if someone closes it up, the edges grow together again or are sewn together:
The scar is closing up nicely – it’ll soon be time to take the stitches out.
5. to become narrower or to shut:
The flowers close up at night.
Occasionally the channel widened then closed up tight again.
6. to refuse to talk to someone about something:
The moment I said I was a police officer, everyone would close up like a clam.
close with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to agree a business deal with someone:
It was such a good offer that I closed with him on the spot.
2. literary to move towards someone in order to fight with them

night

night S1 W1 /naɪt/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable and countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑night, ↑midnight, ↑nightie; adverb: ↑overnight, ↑nightly; adjective: ↑nightly, ↑overnight]
[Language: Old English; Origin: niht]
1. WHEN IT IS DARK the dark part of each 24-hour period when the sun cannot be seen and when most people sleep OPP day:
It was a cold moonlit night.
I didn’t sleep too well last night.
at night
At night the temperature drops below zero.
in/during the night
He woke up twice during the night.
by night
Many animals hunt by night.
(on) Friday night/that night etc
There was a storm on Friday night.
GRAMMAR
Use at night when talking about what generally or regularly happens then:
▪ The noise of the traffic keeps me awake at night.
Use in the night when talking about an event that happens at some time during the night:
▪ There had been heavy rain in the night.
Use by night to say what a person or animal does at night:
▪ We travelled by night.
When you are mentioning a time before midnight, use at night:
▪ ten o'clock at night
When you are mentioning a time after midnight, use in the morning:
▪ four in the morning
2. EVENING the time during the evening until you go to bed:
We had a really good meal last night.
They stay in and watch television every night.
She recognised him from the night before (=the previous evening).
My parents are coming for dinner tomorrow night.
Friday/Saturday etc night
There’s a party at Ben’s place on Saturday night.
We were on our way back from a night out (=an evening when you go to a party, restaurant, theatre etc) at the theatre.
Anna doesn’t like him walking home late at night.
quiz night/student night etc (=an evening when a particular event happens, especially at a bar, club etc)
3. nights if you do something nights, you do it regularly or often at night:
I work nights, so I’m usually asleep during the day.
4. night! spoken used to say goodbye to someone when it is late in the evening or when they are going to bed SYN good night:
Night! See you tomorrow!
5. night night! spoken used to say goodbye to someone, especially a child, when they are going to bed
6. night and day/day and night all the time:
The store is guarded day and night.
We had to work night and day to get it finished.
7. night or day/day or night at any time:
You can call me any time, night or day.
8. night after night every night for a long period:
He’s out drinking night after night.
9. first night/opening night the first performance of a play or show ⇨ premiere:
We saw ‘Riverdance’ on its opening night.
10. spend the night with somebody/spend the night together to sleep with someone and have sex with them:
And you thought we spent the night together?
11. a good night’s sleep a night when you sleep well:
You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.
12. (have a) late/early night to go to bed later or earlier than usual:
I think I’ll have an early night. ⇨ ↑late-night
13. last thing at night at the end of the day, just before you go to bed:
You should water plants either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
⇨ ↑nightly
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + night
▪ last night It rained last night.
▪ tomorrow night I should be back by tomorrow night.
▪ Friday/Saturday etc night I haven't seen him since Thursday night.
▪ an early night (=when you go to bed early) I'm really tired - I need an early night.
▪ a late night (=when you go to bed late) We had a late night last night.
▪ a long night (=a night when you do not sleep or you work hard) Everyone was tired and grumpy. It had been a long night.
▪ a sleepless night She had spent a sleepless night wondering what to do.
■ verbs
▪ spend a night somewhere (=sleep somewhere) We spent two nights at the Grand Hotel.
▪ stay the night (=sleep at someone's house) You're welcome to stay the night if you like.
▪ have a bad night (=not sleep well, especially when you are ill) I had a bad night last night.
▪ night falls written (=it starts to become dark) It grew colder as night fell.
▪ the night wears on (=continues) The pain gradually got better as the night wore on.
■ night + NOUN
▪ the night sky We looked up at the stars in the night sky.
▪ the night air The night air was scented with pine wood.
▪ a night train/bus/flight I took the night train to Fort William.
■ phrases
▪ all night He looked as if he'd been up all night.
▪ all night long (=used to emphasize that something continues for the whole night) The noise continued all night long!
▪ late at night We often get to bed very late at night.
▪ at this time of night (=used when something happens very late at night, and you are surprised) Why are you calling me at this time of night?
▪ late/far into the night (=until very late at night) Staff worked late into the night to make necessary repairs.
▪ in the middle of the night She woke up suddenly in the middle of the night.
▪ in/at the dead of night literary (=in the middle of the night when it is quiet) He drove through the countryside in the dead of night.
▪ day and night/night and day (=all the time) The phones rang day and night.
▪ morning, noon, and night (=all the time) She nagged at him morning, noon, and night.

hot

I. hot¹ S1 W2 /hɒt $ hɑːt/ BrE AmE adjective (comparative hotter, superlative hottest)
[Language: Old English; Origin: hat]
1. HIGH TEMPERATURE
a) something that is hot has a high temperature – used about weather, places, food, drink, or objects OPP cold:
a hot day in July
It’s so hot in here. Can I open the window?
Be careful, the water’s very hot.
The bar serves hot and cold food.
people who live in hot countries (=where the weather is usually hot)
scorching/baking/roasting hot (also boiling/broiling hot )American English (=used about weather that is very hot)
a scorching hot week in August
stifling/sweltering/unbearably hot (=used about weather that is very hot and uncomfortable)
The office gets unbearably hot in summer.
boiling/scalding/steaming hot (=used about liquid that is extremely hot)
The coffee was scalding hot.
piping hot (=used about food that is nice and hot)
Serve the soup piping hot.
red hot (=used to describe an object or surface that is very hot)
The handle was red hot.
white hot (=used to describe metal that is extremely hot)
He held the metal in the flame until it became white hot.
b) if you feel hot, your body feels hot in a way that is uncomfortable:
I was hot and tired after the journey.
The wine made her feel hot.
c) if clothes are hot, they make you feel too hot in a way that is uncomfortable:
This sweater’s too hot to wear inside.
2. SPICY food that tastes hot has a burning taste because it contains strong spices OPP mild:
a hot curry
3. VERY POPULAR/FASHIONABLE informal something or someone that is hot is very popular or fashionable, and everyone wants to use them, see them, buy them etc:
one of the hottest young directors in Hollywood
Michael Owen is already one of soccer’s hottest properties (=actors or sports players who are very popular).
The movie is going to be this summer’s hot ticket (=an event that is very popular or fashionable, and that everyone wants to go and see).
be the hottest thing since (sliced bread) (=used about someone or something that is very good and popular, so that everyone wants them)
4. GOOD informal very good, especially in a way that is exciting:
a hot young guitar player
a hot piece of software
His new film is hot stuff (=very good).
be hot at doing something
She’s pretty hot at swimming, too.
not so hot/not very hot informal (=not very good)
Some of the tracks on the record are great, but others are not so hot.
be hot shit American English informal not polite (=used about someone or something that people think is very good)
5. SEXY
a) informal someone who is hot is very attractive sexually:
The girls all think he’s hot stuff.
b) informal a film, book, photograph etc that is hot is sexually exciting:
his hot and steamy first novel
c) a hot date informal a meeting with someone who you feel very attracted to sexually:
She has a hot date with Michel.
d) be hot on/for somebody informal to be sexually attracted to someone
6. DIFFICULT/DANGEROUS [not before noun] informal difficult or dangerous to deal with:
If things get too hot (=a situation becomes too difficult or dangerous to deal with), I can always leave.
Wilkinson found his opponent a little too hot to handle (=too difficult to deal with or beat).
The climate was too hot politically to make such radical changes.
7. a hot issue/topic etc a subject that a lot of people are discussing, especially one that causes a lot of disagreement:
The affair was a hot topic of conversation.
one of the hottest issues facing medical science
8. in the hot seat in an important position and responsible for making difficult decisions
9. in hot water if someone is in hot water, they are in trouble because they have done something wrong:
The finance minister found himself in hot water over his business interests.
land/get yourself in hot water
She got herself in hot water with the authorities.
10. ANGRY
a) get hot under the collar spoken to become angry – used especially when people get angry in an unreasonable way about something that is not important:
I don’t understand why people are getting so hot under the collar about it.
b) have a hot temper someone who has a hot temper becomes angry very easily ⇨ ↑hot-tempered
11. hot and bothered informal upset and confused because you have too much to think about or because you are in a hurry:
People were struggling with bags and cases, looking hot and bothered.
12. have/hold something in your hot little hand informal used to emphasize that you have something:
You’ll have the report in your hot little hands by Monday.
13. RECENT/EXCITING NEWS hot news is about very recent events and therefore interesting or exciting:
Do you want to hear about all the latest hot gossip?
14. be hot off the press if news or a newspaper is hot off the press, it has just recently been printed
15. CHASING SOMEBODY/SOMETHING CLOSELY
a) in hot pursuit following someone quickly and closely because you want to catch them:
The car sped away, with the police in hot pursuit.
b) hot on sb’s trail/tail close to and likely to catch someone you have been chasing:
The other car was hot on his tail.
c) hot on sb’s heels following very close behind someone:
Mrs Bass’s dog was already hot on his heels.
16. come/follow hot on the heels of something to happen or be done very soon after something else:
The news came hot on the heels of another plane crash.
17. hot on the trail of something very close to finding something:
journalists hot on the trail of a news story
18. blow/go hot and cold to keep changing your mind about whether you like or want to do something:
She keeps blowing hot and cold about the wedding.
19. go hot and cold to experience a strange feeling in which your body temperature suddenly changes, because you are very frightened, worried, or shocked
20. I don’t feel too hot/so hot/very hot spoken informal I feel slightly ill:
I’m not feeling too hot today.
21. be hot on something informal
a) to know a lot about something:
He’s pretty hot on aircraft.
b) British English to be very strict about something SYN tight:
The company is very hot on security.
22. be hot for something informal to be ready for something and want it very much:
Europe is hot for a product like this.
He was hot for revenge.
23. be hot to trot informal
a) to be ready to do something or be involved with something
b) to feel sexually excited and want to have sex with someone
24. hot competition if the competition between people or companies is hot, they are all trying very hard to win or succeed:
Competition for the best jobs is getting hotter all the time.
25. hot favourite the person, team, horse etc that people think is most likely to win
26. hot tip a good piece of advice about the likely result of a race, business deal etc:
a hot tip on the stock market
27. STOLEN GOODS informal goods that are hot have been stolen
28. MUSIC informal music that is hot has a strong exciting ↑rhythm
29. more something than you’ve had hot dinners British English spoken humorous used to say that someone has had a lot of experience of something and has done it many times:
She’s delivered more babies than you’ve had hot dinners.
30. hot money money that is frequently moved from one country to another in order to make a profit
⇨ ↑hotly, ↑hots
• • •
THESAURUS
■ person
▪ hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: I feel really hot. | The travellers were hot, tired, and thirsty.
▪ warm a little hot, especially in a way that feels comfortable: Are you warm enough? | We had to keep moving in order to keep warm.
▪ boiling (hot) spoken very hot: You must be boiling in that sweater! | ‘I’m going for a swim,' said Gary. ’I’m boiling.' | I felt boiling hot and tried to open one of the windows.
▪ feverish feeling very hot because you are ill: His head ached and he felt feverish. | Hannah was slightly feverish, so we decided to call the doctor.
■ weather
▪ hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: a hot day | It’s too hot to do any work.
▪ warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: a warm summer’s evening | It’s supposed to be a bit warmer tomorrow.
▪ boiling (hot) spoken very hot: The weather was boiling hot. | a boiling hot day | It was absolutely boiling this lunchtime.
▪ baking (hot) British English very hot and dry: a baking hot afternoon | The weather was baking hot and conditions at the camp became unbearable. | It’s baking out there in the garden – I need a drink.
▪ scorching (hot) very hot: It was another scorching hot July day. | When we got there, the weather was scorching. | Arizona is scorching hot every day.
▪ humid/muggy hot and damp: This week sees a return to more humid conditions. | Hong Kong gets very humid at this time of year. | In June the weather was often muggy in the evenings. | It was a warm muggy afternoon, and it looked like it would rain.
■ room
▪ hot used especially when you feel uncomfortable: The office was uncomfortably hot. | The meeting was in a tiny hot room with no air conditioning.
▪ warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: It’s nice and warm by the fire. | They were all sitting in the warm kitchen, sipping mugs of cocoa.
▪ boiling (hot) spoken very hot: It’s boiling in here. Can I open the window? | a boiling hot New York recording studio
▪ like an oven much too hot in a way that is uncomfortable – used about rooms and buildings: The inside of the shed was like an oven.
■ food/liquid/something you touch
▪ hot: a hot drink | hot meals | Eat your food while it’s hot.
▪ warm a little hot, especially in a way that seems pleasant: The bread was still warm from the oven. | the warm waters of the Caribbean
▪ boiling (hot) spoken very hot: The water’s boiling hot. | Boiling-hot steam shoots out from underground. | The mud in the pools is boiling.
▪ lukewarm /ˌluːkˈwɔːm◂ $ -ˈwɔːrm◂/ slightly warm, but not hot enough – used about liquids: a cup of lukewarm coffee | The bath water was lukewarm.