British English

computer

com‧put‧er S1 W1 AC /kəmˈpjuːtə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑computer, ↑computing, ↑computerization; verb: ↑computerize]

an electronic machine that stores information and uses programs to help you find, organize, or change the information:
a huge global computer network
the latest computer software
on computer
The information is stored on computer.
by computer
Shoppers can send in their orders by computer and pick up their goods later.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ use a computer Most people do jobs in which they have to use a computer.
▪ log onto a computer (=start using it by typing a password) Next time you log onto your computer, you will have to use a new password.
▪ log off a computer (=stop using a computer system that requires a password)
▪ switch a computer on/off Always switch off your computer at the end of the day.
▪ start up/boot up a computer (=make it start working)
▪ shut down a computer (=close the programs and stop it working)
▪ restart/reboot a computer (=make it start working again) The problem sometimes disappears if I restart my computer.
▪ program a computer (=give it instructions so that it will do a particular job)
▪ hold/store something on a computer This data is all held on a central computer.
▪ a computer starts up/boots up My computer takes ages to start up in the morning.
▪ a computer crashes (=suddenly stops working)
▪ a computer is down (=is not working)
▪ a computer is up (=is working again after stopping working)
▪ software/a program runs on a computer You’ll need the appropriate software running on your computer.
■ computer + NOUN
▪ a computer system Our office is installing a new computer system.
▪ a computer screen/monitor Make sure your computer screen is at the right height.
▪ a computer keyboard The computer keyboard is shaped to put less strain on your wrists.
▪ a computer network (=a set of computers connected to each other) A virus had infected the entire computer network.
▪ a computer program (=a set of instructions stored inside a computer) At school, we’re learning how to write simple computer programs.
▪ computer software (=computer programs) Microsoft Corp is the world’s largest maker of personal computer software.
▪ computer hardware/equipment (=machines and equipment, not programs) a shop that sells computer equipment
▪ a computer game Kids love playing computer games.
▪ computer graphics (=images created by computers) There’s a massive market for high-speed computer graphics.
▪ computer technology the rapid progress in computer technology
▪ computer science (=the study of computers and what they can do)
▪ the computer industry You can make a lot of money in the computer industry.
▪ a computer company He runs his own computer company.
▪ a computer user Technology now allows computer users to talk to each other over the Internet.
▪ a computer programmer (=someone who writes the instructions a computer uses to do a particular job)
▪ a computer expert You don’t need to be a computer expert to use the programme.
▪ a computer hacker (=someone who tries to break into a computer system)
▪ a computer language (=a system of instructions used to program a computer)
▪ computer data CD ROMs store computer data.
▪ a computer virus (=a program that secretly destroys information stored on computers) Computer viruses do a lot of damage every single day.
▪ a computer error The mistake was caused by a computer error.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ Actions when using a computer
▪ start up/boot up to make a computer start working: I’m having problems starting up my computer.
▪ log on/in to start using a computer system by typing your name and password: He logged on and read his emails.
▪ click on something to press a button on a computer mouse to choose a program, file etc from the screen: When you click on the link, it sends you to the company’s website.
▪ install to add new software to a computer so that the software is ready to be used: All users should install anti-virus software.
▪ download to move information, pictures, or music from the Internet onto your computer: You can download MP3 files.
▪ upload to move information, pictures, or music from your computer to a different computer across the Internet: Sites such as YouTube allow you to upload your own videos.
▪ open to make a file or program ready to use: Open a new file and type in the information.
▪ scroll up/down to move information on a computer screen up or down so that you can read it: Scroll down to read the questions and answers.
▪ enter to type information into a computer: The program requires you to enter a password.
▪ delete to remove information from a computer: I’ve deleted his email. | When you delete a file, it first gets moved to the recycle bin.
▪ cut and paste to remove information from one place and put it in another place: Tutors are looking out for students who cut and paste their essays from the Internet.
▪ save to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: Make sure you save any work you do before you shut the computer down.
▪ close to stop having a file or program ready to use: To close the window, click on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
▪ log off/out to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions: I get an error message when I log off.
▪ shut down to make a computer stop working: Employees should shut their computers down at the end of each day.
▪ restart/reboot to make a computer start working again: Wait a few minutes before rebooting your computer.

pasta

pas‧ta /ˈpæstə $ ˈpɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1800-1900; Language: Italian; Origin: Late Latin; ⇨ ↑paste¹]

an Italian food made from flour, eggs, and water and cut into various shapes, usually eaten with a sauce:
I eat a lot of pasta.

fix

I. fix¹ S2 W2 /fɪks/ BrE AmE verb
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: fixus, past participle of figere 'to fasten']
1. REPAIR [transitive] to repair something that is broken or not working properly:
He’s outside fixing the brakes on the car.
Ellis was able to quickly find and fix the problem.
2. LIMIT [transitive]
a) to decide on a limit for something, especially prices, costs etc, so that they do not change SYN set
fix something at something
The interest rate has been fixed at 6.5%.
Rent was fixed at $1,750 per month.
b) if two or more companies fix the price for a particular product or service, they secretly agree on the price they will charge for it, in order to keep the price high and make more profit. This practice is illegal:
The government accused the two companies of fixing petrol prices.
3. fix a time/date/place etc to decide on a particular time etc when something will happen:
Have you fixed a date for the wedding yet?
4. ARRANGE (also fix up) [intransitive and transitive] spoken to make arrangements for something:
‘So when do I get to meet them?’ ‘Tomorrow, if I can fix it.’
fix (it) for somebody to do something
I’ve fixed for you to see him this afternoon at four.
5. ATTACH [transitive] to attach something firmly to something else, so that it stays there permanently
fix something to/on something
The shelves should be fixed to the wall with screws.
6. PREPARE FOOD [transitive] informal especially American English to prepare a meal or drinks SYN get:
I’ll watch the kids and you fix dinner.
fix somebody something
Can I fix you a snack?
Terry fixed herself a cold drink and sat out on the balcony.
7. SOLVE [transitive] to find a solution to a problem or bad situation:
The government seems confident that environmental problems can be fixed.
8. fix your attention/eyes/mind etc on somebody/something to think about or look at someone or something carefully:
Aziz tried to fix his mind on the job at hand.
Every eye was fixed on the new girl.
9. fix somebody with a stare/glare/look etc literary to look directly at someone for a long time:
Rachel fixed him with an icy stare.
10. HAIR/FACE [transitive] especially American English to make your hair or ↑make-up look neat and attractive:
Who fixed your hair for the wedding?
Hold on. Let me just fix my face (=put on make-up) before we go out.
11. CAT/DOG [transitive] American English informal to do a medical operation on a cat or dog so that it cannot have babies SYN neuter
12. RESULT [transitive] to arrange an election, game etc dishonestly, so that you get the result you want:
Many suspected that the deal had been fixed in advance.
13. PAINTINGS/PHOTOGRAPHS [transitive] technical to use a chemical process on paintings, photographs etc that makes the colours or images permanent
14. PUNISH [transitive] informal used to say that you will punish someone you are angry with:
If anybody did that to me, I’d fix him good.
15. be fixing to do something American English spoken to be preparing to do something – used in some parts of the US:
I’m fixing to go to the store. Do you need anything?
fix on somebody/something phrasal verb
to choose a suitable thing or person, especially after thinking about it carefully:
We’ve finally fixed on a place to have the concert.
fix somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb
1. to arrange a meeting, event etc:
I fixed up an interview with him.
We’ll have to fix up a time to meet.
2. to decorate or repair a room or building SYN do up:
We fixed up the guest bedroom before he came to stay.
3. to provide someone with something they want
fix somebody/something ↔ up with
Can you fix me up with a bed for the night?
4. to find a suitable romantic partner for someone
fix somebody/something ↔ up with
I asked my best friend to fix me up with someone.

draw

I. draw¹ S1 W1 /drɔː $ drɒː/ BrE AmE verb (past tense drew /druː/, past participle drawn /drɔːn $ drɒːn/)
[Language: Old English; Origin: dragan]
1. PICTURE [intransitive and transitive] to produce a picture of something using a pencil, pen etc:
Katie had drawn a cottage with a little stream running next to it.
She asked the little girl to draw a picture of the man she’d spoken to.
Keith was drawing a complicated-looking graph.
I’ve never been able to draw very well.
draw somebody something
Can you draw me a map of how to get there?
2. draw (sb’s) attention to make someone notice something
draw (sb’s) attention to
I have been asked to draw your attention to the following points.
A dark house can draw attention to the fact that the house is empty.
draw attention to yourself
He didn’t want to draw attention to himself.
The case drew international attention.
3. draw a conclusion to decide that a particular fact or principle is true according to the information you have been given
draw a conclusion from
It would be unwise to draw firm conclusions from the results of a single survey.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say reach a conclusion or come to a conclusion.
4. draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc to compare two people or things and show how they are similar or different
draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc between
The author draws a comparison between East and West Germany and the North-South divide in England.
The report draws a distinction between various forms of health care.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say make a comparison or distinction (but NOT make a parallel).
5. GET A REACTION [transitive] to get a particular kind of reaction from someone
draw something from somebody
His remarks drew an angry response from Democrats.
draw praise/criticism
The movie drew praise from critics.
6. ATTRACT [transitive] to attract someone or make them want to do something
draw somebody to something
What first drew you to teaching?
Beth felt strangely drawn to this gentle stranger.
The festival is likely to draw huge crowds.
7. GET SOMETHING YOU NEED [transitive] to get something that you need or want from someone or something
draw something from something
I drew a lot of comfort from her kind words.
Plants draw nourishment from the soil.
8. GIVE INFORMATION be drawn [usually in negatives] to give information in reply to questions about something:
She refused to be drawn on the subject.
9. MOVE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move in a particular direction:
She drew away, but he pulled her close again.
The boat drew alongside us and a man appeared on the deck.
I arrived just as the train was drawing into the station.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use pull rather than draw:
▪ The train was pulling into the station.
10. draw near/closer to become closer in time or space:
Maria grew anxious as the men drew closer.
Christmas is drawing near.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say get nearer/closer:
▪ Christmas is getting nearer.
11. draw level to move into a position where you are equal to someone else in a race, game, or competition:
Black drew level with the other runners.
12. PULL SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move someone or something in a particular direction by pulling them gently
draw somebody/something aside/up/across etc
Bobby drew a chair up to the table.
Hussain drew me aside to whisper in my ear.
draw the curtains/a blind etc (=close them by pulling them gently)
13. PULL A VEHICLE [transitive] if an animal draws a vehicle, it pulls it along:
a carriage drawn by six horses
an ox-drawn cart
14. TAKE SOMETHING OUT [transitive] to take something out of a container, pocket etc
draw something out/from something
Ali reached into his pocket and drew out a piece of paper.
draw a gun/sword/weapon etc
Maria drew her gun nervously and peered out into the gloom.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use pull something out or take something out rather than draw something out:
▪ Ali reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.
15. draw a line (between something) to think or show that one thing is different from another:
Adolescents often use drugs simply to try to draw a line between their own and their parents’ way of life.
16. draw the line (at something) to allow or accept something up to a particular point, but not beyond it:
I don’t mind doing some gardening but I draw the line at digging.
17. where do you draw the line? spoken used to say it is impossible to decide at which point an acceptable limit has been reached:
Some say 50 is too old to have a baby, but where do you draw the line?
18. draw a line under something to say that something is completely finished and you will not think about it again:
I just want to draw a line under the relationship.
19. draw sb’s eye (to something) if something draws your eye, it makes you notice it:
My eye was drawn to a painting on the wall.
20. FROM A BANK (also draw out) [transitive] to take money from your bank account SYN withdraw:
Hughes had drawn $8,000 in cash from a bank in Toronto.
21. RECEIVE MONEY [transitive] to receive an amount of money regularly from a government or financial institution:
How long have you been drawing unemployment benefit?
I’ll be drawing my pension before he’ll ever get around to asking me to marry him!
22. draw a cheque (on something) British English, draw a check (on something) American English to write a cheque for taking money out of a particular bank account
23. BREATHE [intransitive and transitive] to take air or smoke into your lungs:
She drew a deep breath.
Ruth paused to draw breath, her voice barely hiding her excitement.
He lit his pipe and drew deeply.
24. draw breath to find time to have a rest when you are busy:
I’ve hardly had a moment to draw breath.
25. TAKE LIQUID FROM SOMETHING [transitive]
a) to take a liquid from something such as a ↑barrel or ↑tap
b) to take water from a ↑well
26. FIRE [intransitive] if a fire or ↑chimney draws, it lets the air flow through to make the fire burn well
27. CHOOSE [intransitive and transitive] to choose by chance a ticket etc that will win a prize:
The winning ticket will be drawn at the Christmas Party.
28. draw lots/straws to decide who will do something by taking pieces of paper out of a container or choosing ↑straws of hidden lengths:
We drew lots to see who would go first.
29. draw the short straw used to say that someone has been unlucky because they were chosen to do something that no one else wanted to do:
He drew the short straw and had to drive everyone to the party.
30. GAME [intransitive and transitive] especially British English to finish without either side winning in a game such as football SYN tie:
They drew 3–3.
draw with
Liverpool drew with Juventus.
31. be drawn against somebody British English to be chosen by chance to play or compete against someone:
England have been drawn against France in next month’s game.
32. draw a blank informal to be unsuccessful in finding information or the answer to a problem:
All his investigations have drawn a blank so far.
33. draw to a halt/stop if a vehicle draws to a halt or stop, it slows down and stops
34. draw to a close/end to end:
Festival-goers began to drift off as the evening drew to an end.
35. draw a veil over something to deliberately keep something unpleasant or embarrassing from being known:
I’d rather draw a veil over what happened last night.
36. draw blood
a) to make someone bleed:
The dog bit her so hard that it drew blood.
b) to make someone angry or embarrass them in an argument, especially a public one:
Barker sought to draw blood by mentioning his rival’s weakness of character.
37. draw a bow to bend a ↑bow by pulling back the string in order to shoot an ↑arrow
38. SHIP [transitive] technical if a ship draws a particular depth, it needs that depth of water to float in
⇨ be at daggers drawn at ↑dagger(3)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ draw to make a picture, pattern etc using a pen or pencil: The children were asked to draw a picture of their families. | I’m going to art classes to learn how to draw.
▪ sketch /sketʃ/ to draw a picture of something or someone quickly and without a lot of detail: Roy took a pencil and sketched the bird quickly, before it moved.
▪ illustrate to draw the pictures in a book: It’s a beautiful book, illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
▪ doodle /ˈduːdl/ to draw shapes or patterns without really thinking about what you are doing: He was on the phone, doodling on his notepad as he spoke.
▪ scribble to draw shapes or lines without making a definite picture or pattern. Small children do this before they have learned to draw or write: At the age of two, she loved scribbling with crayons and coloured pencils.
▪ trace to copy a picture by putting a piece of thin paper over it and drawing the lines that you can see through the paper: First trace the map, and then copy it into your workbooks.
draw back phrasal verb
1. to move backwards, especially because you are frightened or surprised:
Suddenly, she drew back, startled.
draw back in horror/shock/fear etc
She peeped into the box and drew back in horror.
2. to decide not to do something, especially because you think it would be bad for you SYN withdraw
draw back from
The government drew back from their extreme standpoint.
draw something ↔ down phrasal verb
to obtain money that it has been agreed that you can borrow, or to use money that has been saved:
He drew down the final $25 million of the loan.
draw in phrasal verb
1. British English if the days or nights draw in, it starts to get dark earlier in the evening because winter is coming:
In October the nights start drawing in.
2. draw somebody ↔ in to get someone involved in something:
We should use the demonstration as an opportunity to draw more supporters in.
Despite himself, he found himself being drawn in by the man’s warmth and ease.
3. draw in your horns British English to spend less money because you have financial problems
draw somebody into something phrasal verb
to make someone become involved in something, especially when they do not want to be involved:
He tried to draw her into conversation.
She found herself drawn into a disagreement between two of her neighbours.
draw something ↔ off phrasal verb
to remove some liquid from a larger supply:
The cold water is heated as it is drawn off.
draw on phrasal verb
1. draw on/upon something to use information, experience, knowledge etc for a particular purpose:
His work draws heavily on learning theories of the 1980s.
She has 20 years’ teaching experience to draw on.
2. draw on something to use part of a supply of something such as money:
I drew on my savings to pay for the repairs.
3. draw on a cigarette/cigar etc to breathe in smoke from a cigarette etc
4. British English formal if a period of time or an event draws on, it comes closer to its end:
Winter is drawing on.
As the journey drew on, he started to feel tired.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ draw on somebody's experience The books have drawn on the experience of practising teachers.
▪ draw on somebody's knowledge Fortunately I was able to draw on my own knowledge of the law.
▪ draw on somebody's resources The committee has drawn on the resources and skills of several local people.
▪ draw on somebody's ideas We hope that we will be able to draw on these ideas to develop the work further.
▪ draw on somebody's expertise (=expert knowledge and experience) Now we can draw on the expertise of some of the most talented network engineers.
draw out phrasal verb
1. draw something ↔ out to take money from your bank account
2. draw somebody ↔ out to make someone feel less shy and more willing to talk:
She just needed someone to draw her out and take an interest in her.
3. draw something ↔ out formal to mention a particular piece of information and explain it clearly and in detail:
There are two major themes to be drawn out in this discussion.
4. draw something ↔ out to make an event last longer than usual:
The final question drew the meeting out for another hour. ⇨ ↑drawn-out
5. British English if the days or nights draw out, it stays light until later in the evening because summer is coming
draw up phrasal verb
1. draw something ↔ up to prepare a written document, such as a list or contract:
Draw up a list of all the things you want to do.
draw up plans/proposals
He was asked to draw up proposals for reforming the law.
The contract was drawn up last year.
2. if a vehicle draws up, it arrives somewhere and stops:
A taxi drew up at the gate.
3. draw up a chair to move a chair closer to someone or something
4. draw yourself up (to your full height) to stand up very straight because you are angry or determined about something:
He drew himself up and said, ‘This has gone far enough’.
5. draw your knees up to bring your legs closer to your body:
Ruth sat, knees drawn up under her chin, and waited.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ draw up a plan/scheme Local authorities have drawn up new plans for waste disposal.
▪ draw up a proposal The European Communities were drawing up proposals to control the export of chemicals.
▪ draw up a list They drew up a list of suitable candidates for the job.
▪ draw up guidelines A committee of teachers has drawn up guidelines for schools on how to deal with difficult students.
▪ draw up a report Environmental organizations have been involved in drawing up the report.
▪ draw up a contract/agreement Some people draw up a contract when they get married.
▪ draw up a timetable/schedule They haven’t yet drawn up a timetable for the elections.
▪ draw up a programme A small team has drawn up a programme of action.
▪ draw up a constitution (=set of laws and principles that govern a country) The first Czech constitution was drawn up here in 1920.
▪ draw up a budget (=plan of how to spend the money that is available) Each year business managers draw up a budget.

milk

I. milk¹ S2 W3 /mɪlk/ BrE AmE noun
[Language: Old English; Origin: meolc, milc]

1. [uncountable] a white liquid produced by cows or goats that is drunk by people:
a bottle of milk
Would you like some milk in your tea?
a pint of semi-skimmed milk
2. [uncountable] a white liquid produced by female animals and women for feeding their babies:
mothers who believe that breast milk is best for their babies
The tiny fox cubs drink nothing but their mother’s milk.
3. [uncountable] a liquid or juice produced by particular plants, especially the coconut
4. [uncountable and countable] a thin white liquid used to clean or protect skin SYN lotion:
a mild facial cleansing milk
5. the milk of human kindness literary the kind and sympathetic behaviour of most ordinary people
⇨ evaporated milk, ⇨ cry over spilt milk at cry¹(3), ⇨ land of milk and honey at land¹(8)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ drink milk Drinking milk keeps your bones strong.
▪ have/take milk (=drink milk in your tea or coffee) Do you take milk in your coffee?
▪ pour milk She poured some milk into a saucepan.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + milk
▪ sour (=not fresh) Milk turns sour very quickly in hot weather.
▪ fresh She made me drink a glass of fresh milk.
▪ cold I can only drink milk if it’s really cold.
▪ hot/warm Can I have a cup of warm milk please?
▪ pasteurized (=milk that has been heated to kill harmful bacteria) a type of cheese made from pasteurized milk
▪ homogenized (=milk that has had the cream mixed into the milk) Most milk sold in stores is homogenized milk.
▪ whole milk (also full-fat milk British English) (=milk that has not had any fat taken out) The ice cream is made from whole milk.
▪ semi-skimmed milk British English (also low-fat milk) (=milk that has had some of the fat taken out) Adults should drink semi-skimmed milk rather than whole milk.
▪ skimmed milk British English, skim milk/nonfat milk American English (=milk that has had all the fat taken out) a bowl of cereal with skim milk
▪ long-life milk British English (=specially treated milk that you can keep for a long time) I’ve got a carton of long-life milk in the cupboard.
▪ powdered milk (also dry milk American English) Powdered milk is useful for camping trips.
▪ baby/formula milk (=milk in powder form for babies) Many babies are fed formula milk.
■ milk + NOUN
▪ milk bottle Put the empty milk bottles into the crates.
▪ milk carton (=a plastic or cardboard container in which milk is sold) containers such as milk cartons and soap powder boxes
▪ milk jug She put the butter, jam and milk jug on the table.
▪ milk powder hot water mixed with milk powder
■ phrases
▪ a glass of milk Would you like a glass of milk?
▪ a bottle of milk I accidentally knocked over a bottle of milk.
▪ a pint of milk I need to buy a pint of milk.

II. dance² S2 W3 BrE AmE verb
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: dancier]

1. [intransitive and transitive] to move your feet and body in a way that matches the style and speed of music:
Come on, let’s dance.
dance to
They danced to Ruby Newman’s orchestra (=the orchestra was playing).
dance with
The bride danced with her father.
dance a waltz/rumba/tango etc
2. [intransitive and transitive] to dance in performances, especially in ↑ballet:
He danced with the Boston Repertory Ballet.
Nakamura dances several solos in this production.
3. [intransitive] literary to move up, down, and around quickly:
Pink and white balloons danced in the wind.
4. dance to sb’s tune to do what someone wants you to do – used to show disapproval:
At that time, Eastern bloc countries danced to the Soviet tune.
5. dance attendance on somebody to do everything possible in order to please someone:
a movie star with several young men dancing attendance on her
—dancing noun [uncountable]:
the beauty of her dancing

situation

sit‧u‧a‧tion S1 W1 /ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1. a combination of all the things that are happening and all the conditions that exist at a particular time in a particular place:
I explained the situation to everyone.
in a ... situation
She coped well in a very difficult situation.
2. the type of area where a building is situated – used especially by people who sell or advertise buildings SYN location:
The house is in a charming situation, on a wooded hillside.
3. old-fashioned a job:
She managed to get a situation as a parlour maid.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ create a situation (=cause it to happen) Tom’s arrival created an awkward situation.
▪ assess/review a situation Ballater was trying to assess the situation objectively.
▪ monitor a situation (=watch to see how it develops) The bank is monitoring the situation closely.
▪ deal with a situation He had no idea how to deal with the situation.
▪ improve/remedy a situation They are doing what they can to improve the situation.
▪ defuse the situation (=make people less angry) She’d just been trying to calm Gerry down and defuse the situation.
▪ a situation arises formal (=it happens) This situation has arisen as a result of a serious staff shortage.
▪ a situation comes about (=it happens) I don’t know how this situation has come about.
▪ a situation changes The situation could change very rapidly.
▪ a situation improves The situation has improved over the last decade.
▪ a situation worsens/deteriorates/gets worse Reports from the area suggest the situation has worsened.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + situation
▪ difficult/tricky This book will show you how to deal with difficult situations.
▪ impossible (=very difficult) I was in an impossible situation.
▪ dangerous The situation was becoming increasingly dangerous.
▪ the present/current situation The present situation in Afghanistan is very worrying.
▪ the economic/political situation The country’s economic situation continued to deteriorate.
▪ the security situation (=how safe a place is) Until the security situation improves, it is far too dangerous for staff to work there.
▪ sb’s financial situation (=how much money someone has) What is your current financial situation?
▪ a social situation (=a situation in which someone is with other people) He felt uncomfortable in social situations.
▪ a work situation (=a situation at work) These problems often arise in work situations.
▪ a no-win situation (=one in which there will be a bad result whatever happens) It’s a no-win situation.
▪ a win-win situation (=one in which everyone gets what they want) Shorter work weeks are a win-win situation for both the employee and employer.

fish

I. fish¹ S1 W1 /fɪʃ/ BrE AmE noun (plural fish or fishes)
[Word Family: noun: fish, fishing, fishery; verb: fish; adverb: fishily; adjective: fishy]
[Language: Old English; Origin: fisc; related to Pisces]

1. [countable] an animal that lives in water, and uses its fins and tail to swim:
Over 1,500 different species of fish inhabit the waters around the reef.
The stonefish is the most deadly of all fishes.
The lake is well stocked with fish (=it contains a lot of fish).
2. [uncountable] the flesh of a fish used as food ⇨ seafood:
You usually drink white wine with fish.
In Japan, people eat raw fish.
Oily fish (=fish that contains a lot of oil) is supposed to be good for you.
► You say fish and chips, not 'chips and fish'.
3. (be/feel) like a fish out of water to feel uncomfortable because you feel you do not belong in a place or situation:
I felt like a fish out of water in my new school.
4. there are plenty more fish in the sea used to tell someone whose relationship has ended that there are other people they can have a relationship with
5. neither fish nor fowl neither one thing nor another
6. have other/bigger fish to fry informal to have other things to do, especially more important things
7. odd fish/queer fish British English old-fashioned someone who is slightly strange or crazy
8. cold fish an unfriendly person who seems to have no strong feelings
9. a big fish in a little/small pond someone who is important in or who has influence over a very small area
⇨ drink like a fish at drink¹(2), ⇨ another/a different kettle of fish at kettle(3)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + fish
▪ freshwater fish (=that live in rivers or lakes) The pools are home to frogs, newts, and freshwater fish.
▪ saltwater fish (=that live in the ocean) saltwater fish such as cod and tuna
▪ river/sea fish Pike are river fish.
▪ tropical fish a tank full of tropical fish
▪ farmed fish (=fish that are from a fish farm) We also know that farmed fish don’t have as much omega 3 as wild salmon.
■ verbs
▪ catch/land a fish Pete caught a really big fish.
▪ breed fish He has been breeding tropical fish for many years.
▪ keep fish (=have them as pets or for breeding) We used to keep tropical fish when I was young.
▪ fillet a fish (=cut the meat away from the bones) You need a sharp knife to fillet fish.
▪ a fish swims Red fish swam on either side of the boat.
▪ a fish bites (=it takes food from a hook and gets caught) The fish aren’t biting today.
■ fish + NOUN
▪ fish stocks (=the quantity of fish in the sea) Fish stocks have declined dramatically.
▪ fish species (also species of fish) (=the group of fish that are similar and can breed together) 74 of California's 113 native fish species are in need of protection.
▪ a fish tank (=for keeping fish indoors, usually as pets) The filter in his fish tank made a quiet humming noise.
▪ a fish pond (=for keeping fish outdoors, in a garden) We’re thinking of building a fish pond in the back garden.
▪ fish food (=for feeding fish) I sprinkled some fish food into the tank.
■ phrases
▪ a shoal/school of fish (=a large group swimming together) Shoals of little fish were swimming around her.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ adjectives
▪ fresh fish The market sells an amazing variety of fresh fish.
▪ frozen fish (=stored at a very low temperature to preserve it) I stopped at the supermarket to buy some frozen fish.
▪ white fish (=whose meat is white when cooked) grilled white fish
▪ oily fish (=containing a lot of natural oil) A diet of oily fish can help prevent heart disease.
▪ fried fish (=cooked in hot oil) We’re going to have fried fish tonight.
▪ steamed/poached fish (=cooked over boiling water) The kitchen smelt of steamed fish.
▪ baked fish (=cooked in an oven) Serve the baked fish with slices of lemon.
▪ battered fish (=covered in a mixture of flour and water, and then fried) The restaurant is well-known for its battered fish dishes.
▪ raw fish (=not cooked) In Japan we like to eat raw fish.
▪ smoked fish (=left in smoke to give it a special taste) It was the finest smoked fish they had ever tasted.
▪ dried fish (=preserved by having the water removed) Occasionally, the guards gave us some vegetables and dried fish.
▪ salted fish (=preserved by adding salt) The dish is made with rice and salted fish.
■ verbs
▪ eat fish You should eat more fish.
▪ cook fish I think I’ll cook fish tonight.
■ fish + NOUN
▪ a fish shop She works in the fish shop on the High Street.
▪ a fish market I brought some salmon at the local fish market.
▪ fish soup Use the bones to make fish soup.
▪ fish paste (=a smooth food, made by crushing fish ) She spread some fish paste on fresh bread.
■ phrases
▪ fish and chips Why don't we stop off for some fish and chips on the way home?

egg

I. egg¹ S1 W2 /eɡ/ BrE AmE noun
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old Norse]
1. BIRD [countable] a round object with a hard surface, that contains a baby bird, snake, insect etc and which is produced by a female bird, snake, insect etc:
Blackbirds lay their eggs in March.
an ostrich egg
The eggs hatch (=break open to allow the baby out) in 26 days.
2.
FOOD [uncountable and countable] an egg, especially one from a chicken, that is used for food
fried/poached/boiled etc eggs
Joe always has bacon and egg for breakfast.
Whisk the egg white (=the white part) until stiff.
Beat in two of the egg yolks (=the yellow part). ⇨ scrambled egg
3. EGG SHAPE [countable] something the same shape as an egg:
a chocolate Easter egg ⇨ Easter egg
4. ANIMALS/PEOPLE [countable] a cell produced by a woman or female animal that combines with ↑sperm (=male cell) to make a baby SYN ovum
5. (have) egg on your face if someone, especially someone in authority, has egg on their face, they have been made to look stupid by something embarrassing:
The Pentagon’s been left with egg on its face.
6. put all your eggs in one basket to depend completely on one thing or one course of action in order to get success, so that you have no other plans if this fails:
When planning your investments, it’s unwise to put all your eggs in one basket.
7. lay an egg American English informal to fail or be unsuccessful at something that you are trying to do
8. good egg old-fashioned someone who you can depend on to be honest, kind etc
⇨ kill the goose that lays the golden egg at kill¹(14), ⇨ nest egg

chicken

I. chick‧en¹ S2 /ˈtʃɪkən, ˈtʃɪkɪn/ BrE AmE noun
[Language: Old English; Origin: cicen 'young chicken']
1.
[countable] a common farm bird that is kept for its meat and eggs ⇨ hen, cock, rooster, chick
2. [uncountable] the meat from this bird eaten as food:
roast chicken
fried chicken
chicken soup
3. [countable] informal someone who is not at all brave SYN coward:
Don’t be such a chicken!
4. [uncountable] a game in which children do something dangerous, for example stand on a railway line when a train is coming, and try to be the one who continues doing it for the longest time
5. which came first, the chicken or the egg? used to say that it is difficult or impossible to decide which of two things happened first, or which action is the cause and which is the effect
6. a chicken and egg situation/problem etc a situation in which it is impossible to decide which of two things happened first, or which action is the cause and which is the effect
7. sb’s chickens have come home to roost used to say that someone’s bad or dishonest actions in the past have caused the problems that they have now
⇨ don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched at count¹(8), ⇨ spring chicken
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ adjectives
▪ fresh (=recently killed and not frozen) Is the chicken fresh?
▪ frozen We never buy cheap frozen chicken.
▪ free-range (=from a chicken that moved around outside and ate naturally) All the chicken we serve is free-range.
▪ roast chicken (=cooked in an oven) For dinner we're having roast chicken.
▪ fried chicken (=cooked in oil) They filled their plates with fried chicken.
▪ skinless chicken (=with the skin removed) For this recipe, you will need a two pounds of skinless chicken.
■ chicken + NOUN
▪ chicken breast/thigh/wing Chop the chicken breast into pieces.
▪ a chicken piece (=a chicken breast, leg, thigh or wing) You will need two chicken pieces per person.
▪ chicken drumsticks (=the lower part of chicken legs) party food, such as sandwiches and chicken drumsticks
▪ a chicken sandwich/salad/pie etc I'll make a chicken pie with the leftovers.
■ verbs
▪ stuff a chicken (=fill a chicken with a mixture of onion, lemon, herbs etc)
▪ carve a chicken (=cut up a whole chicken that has been cooked)