British English

flash

[flæ̱ʃ]
 flashes, flashing, flashed
 1) N-COUNT: usu with supp A flash is a sudden burst of light or of something shiny or bright.
  A sudden flash of lightning lit everything up for a second...
  The wire snapped at the wall plug with a blue flash and the light fused...
  A jay emerged from the juniper bush in a flash of blue feathers.
 2) V-ERG If a light flashes or if you flash a light, it shines with a sudden bright light, especially as quick, regular flashes of light.
  Lightning flashed among the distant dark clouds...
  [V n] He lost his temper after a driver flashed her headlights as he overtook...
  [V n] He flashed his light into the boat and saw the fishing-line...
  [V-ing] He saw the flashing lights of the highway patrol car in his driving mirror.
 3) N-COUNT: with supp, N of n You talk about a flash of something when you are saying that it happens very suddenly and unexpectedly.
  `What did Moira tell you?' Liz demanded with a flash of anger...
  When pursued, he made his escape with a flash of speed...
  The essays could do with a flash of wit or humor.
  Syn:
  burst
 4) VERB If something flashes past or by, it moves past you so fast that you cannot see it properly.
  [V prep/adv] It was a busy road, cars flashed by every few minutes.
  [V prep/adv] ...the ball flashed across the face of the goal.
 5) VERB If something flashes through or into your mind, you suddenly think about it.
  [V through/into n] A ludicrous thought flashed through Harry's mind...
  [V through/into n] Those lines of Milton flashed into my mind.
 6) VERB If you flash something such as an identity card, you show it to people quickly and then put it away again. [INFORMAL]
  [V n] Halim flashed his official card, and managed to get hold of a soldier to guard the Land Rover.
 7) V-ERG If a picture or message flashes up on a screen, or if you flash it onto a screen, it is displayed there briefly or suddenly, and often repeatedly.
  [V up] The figures flash up on the scoreboard...
  [V prep] The words `Good Luck' were flashing on the screen...
  [V n prep] Researchers flash two groups of different letters on a computer screen...
  [V n] The screen flashes a message: Try again...
  [be V-ed up] A list of items is repeatedly flashed up on the screen. [Also V n up]
 8) VERB If you flash news or information to a place, you send it there quickly by computer, satellite, or other system.
  [V n] They had told their offices to flash the news as soon as it broke...
  [be V-ed prep/adv] This is, of course, international news and soon it was being flashed around the world. [Also V n prep/adv]
 9) VERB If you flash a look or a smile at someone, you suddenly look at them or smile at them. [WRITTEN]
  [V n at n] I flashed a look at Sue...
  [V n n] Meg flashed Cissie a grateful smile.
 10) VERB If someone's eyes flash, they suddenly show a strong emotion, especially anger. [LITERARY]
  Her dark eyes flashed and she spoke rapidly.
  Syn:
  glitter
 11) N-UNCOUNT: oft N n Flash is the use of special bulbs to give more light when taking a photograph.
  He was one of the first people to use high speed flash in bird photography.
 12) N-COUNT A flash is the same as a flashlight. [AM, INFORMAL]
  Stopping to rest, Pete shut off the flash.
 13) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something as flash, you mean that it looks expensive, fashionable, and new. [INFORMAL]
  ...a flash uptown restaurant...
  You can go for a `rostrum' system, which sounds flash, but can be assembled quite cheaply if you buy used equipment.
  Syn:
  smart
 14) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR (disapproval) If you describe an achievement or success as a flash in the pan, you mean that it is unlikely to be repeated and is not an indication of future achievements or success.
  People will be looking in to see how good we are now and whether our success has just been a flash in the pan.
  Syn:
  one-off
 15) PHRASE: usu PHR after v If you say that something happens in a flash, you mean that it happens suddenly and lasts only a very short time.
  The answer had come to him in a flash...
  It was done in a flash.
 16) PHRASE If you say that someone reacts to something quick as a flash, you mean that they react to it extremely quickly.
  Quick as a flash, the man said, `I have to, don't I?'
  Phrasal Verbs:
  - flash back

exist

[ɪgzɪ̱st]
 exists, existing, existed
 1) VERB: no cont If something exists, it is present in the world as a real thing.
  He thought that if he couldn't see something, it didn't exist...
  Research opportunities exist in a wide range of pure and applied areas of entomology...
  [there V n] When Alfred Adler first postulated in 1908 that there existed an inborn instinct of aggression Freud argued against it.
 2) VERB To exist means to live, especially under difficult conditions or with very little food or money.
  I exist from one visit to the next...
  I was barely existing.
  [V on n] ...the problems of having to exist on unemployment benefit.

place

[ple͟ɪs]

 places, placing, placed
 1) N-COUNT: usu with supp A place is any point, building, area, town, or country.
  ...Temple Mount, the place where the Temple actually stood.
  ...a list of museums and places of interest...
  We're going to a place called Mont-St-Jean.
  ...the opportunity to visit new places...
  The best place to catch fish on a canal is close to a lock...
  The pain is always in the same place.
 2) N-SING: the N You can use the place to refer to the point, building, area, town, or country that you have already mentioned.
  Except for the remarkably tidy kitchen, the place was a mess...
  For a ruin it was in good condition, as though the place was still being used.
 3) N-COUNT: usu with supp You can refer to somewhere that provides a service, such as a hotel, restaurant, or institution, as a particular kind of place.
  He found a bed-and-breakfast place...
  My wife and I discovered some superb places to eat...
  My hospital is one of many places that benefited from the support of Queen Alexandra.
  Syn:
  establishment
 4) PHRASE: V inflects When something takes place, it happens, especially in a controlled or organized way.
  The discussion took place in a famous villa on the lake's shore...
  She wanted Hugh's wedding to take place quickly...
  Elections will now take place on November the twenty-fifth.
 5) N-SING: det N Place can be used after `any', `no', `some', or `every' to mean `anywhere', `nowhere', `somewhere', or `everywhere'. [mainly AM, INFORMAL]
  The poor guy obviously didn't have any place to go for Easter...
  Why not go out and see if there's some place we can dance?
 6) ADV: ADV after v If you go places, you visit pleasant or interesting places. [mainly AM]
  I don't have money to go places...
  People were talking to him, listening to him, taking him places.
 7) N-COUNT: poss N You can refer to the position where something belongs, or where it is supposed to be, as its place.
  He returned the album to its place on the shelf...
  He returned to his place on the sofa.
 8) N-COUNT: usu with supp A place is a seat or position that is available for someone to occupy.
  He walked back to the table and sat at the nearest of two empty places...
  I found a place to park beside a station wagon.
 9) N-COUNT: with poss Someone's or something's place in a society, system, or situation is their position in relation to other people or things.
  They want to see more women take their place higher up the corporate or professional ladder...
  It would be foolish to exclude Christianity from the curriculum, in view of its important place in our national culture.
 10) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu ord N Your place in a race or competition is your position in relation to the other competitors. If you are in first place, you are ahead of all the other competitors.
  Jane's goals helped Britain win third place in the Barcelona games...
  He has risen second place in the opinion polls.
 11) N-COUNT: usu with supp If you get a place in a team, on a committee, or on a course of study, for example, you are accepted as a member of the team or committee or as a student on the course.
  He has found a place in the first team...
  All the candidates won places on the ruling council...
  I eventually got a place at York University...
  They should be in residential care but there are no places available...
  To book your place fill in the coupon on page 187 and return it by 1st October.
 12) N-SING: with supp, oft N to-inf, N for n/-ing A good place to do something in a situation or activity is a good time or stage at which to do it.
  It seemed an appropriate place to end somehow...
  This is not the place for a lengthy discussion.
  Syn:
  time
 13) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu poss N Your place is the house or flat where you live. [INFORMAL]
  Let's all go back to my place!...
  He kept encouraging Rosie to find a place of her own.
 14) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu poss N Your place in a book or speech is the point you have reached in reading the book or making the speech.
  ...her finger marking her place in the book...
  He lost his place in his notes.
 15) N-COUNT: usu num N If you say how many decimal places there are in a number, you are saying how many numbers there are to the right of the decimal point.
  A pocket calculator only works to eight decimal places.
 16) VERB If you place something somewhere, you put it in a particular position, especially in a careful, firm, or deliberate way.
  [V n prep/adv] Brand folded it in his handkerchief and placed it in the inside pocket of his jacket...
  [V n prep/adv] Chairs were hastily placed in rows for the parents.
  Syn:
  put
 17) VERB To place a person or thing in a particular state means to cause them to be in it.
  [V n prep] Widespread protests have placed the President under serious pressure...
  [V n prep] The crisis could well place the relationship at risk...
  [be V-ed prep] The remaining 30 percent of each army will be placed under UN control.
  Syn:
  put
 18) VERB You can use place instead of `put' or `lay' in certain expressions where the meaning is carried by the following noun. For example, if you place emphasis on something, you emphasize it, and if you place the blame on someone, you blame them.
  [V n on/upon n] We should teach the young by placing responsibility on them and by trusting them in real endeavors...
  [V n on/upon n] He placed great emphasis on the importance of family life and ties...
  [V n on/upon n] She seemed to be placing most of the blame on her mother...
  [V n in n] His government is placing its faith in international diplomacy.
  Syn:
  put
 19) VERB If you place someone or something in a particular class or group, you label or judge them in that way.
  [V n prep] The authorities have placed the drug in Class A, the same category as heroin and cocaine...
  [V n prep] Dr. Boris Sidis was a Russian-born psychiatrist who enjoyed considerable prestige; some placed him on a par with Pierre Janet and Morton Prince.
  Syn:
  put, rank
 20) VERB: usu passive If a competitor is placed first, second, or last, for example, that is their position at the end of a race or competition. In American English, be placed often means `finish in second position'.
  [be V-ed ord] I had been placed 2nd and 3rd a few times but had never won...
  [ord V-ed] Second-placed Auxerre suffered a surprising 2-0 home defeat to Nantes.
 21) VERB If you place an order for a product or for a meal, you ask for it to be sent or brought to you.
  [V n] It is a good idea to place your order well in advance as delivery can often take months rather than weeks...
  [V n] Before placing your order for a meal, study the menu.
 22) VERB If you place an advertisement in a newspaper, you arrange for the advertisement to appear in the newspaper.
  [V n in n] They placed an advertisement in the local paper for a secretary. [Also V n]
  Syn:
  put
 23) VERB If you place a telephone call to a particular place, you give the telephone operator the number of the person you want to speak to and ask them to connect you.
  [V n] I'd like to place an overseas call.
 24) VERB If you place a bet, you bet money on something.
  [V n on n] For this race, though, he had already placed a bet on one of the horses. [Also V n]
 25) VERB If an agency or organization places someone, it finds them a job or somewhere to live.
  [V n in n] In 1861, they managed to place fourteen women in paid positions in the colonies...
  [V n] In cases where it proves very difficult to place a child, the reception centre might end by providing relatively long-term care.
 26) VERB If you say that you cannot place someone, you mean that you recognize them but cannot remember exactly who they are or where you have met them before.
  [V n] Something about the man was familiar, although Hillsden could not immediately place him...
  [V n] It was a voice he recognized, though he could not immediately place it.
 27) → See also meeting place
 28) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If something is happening all over the place, it is happening in many different places.
  Businesses are closing down all over the place...
  There are picket lines all over the place.
 29) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If things are all over the place, they are spread over a very large area, usually in a disorganized way.
  Our fingerprints are probably all over the place...
  There was ammunition lying all over the place.
 30) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that someone is all over the place, you mean that they are confused or disorganized, and unable to think clearly or act properly. [mainly BRIT]
  He was careful and diligent. I was all over the place.
 31) PHR-RECIP: V inflects, pl-n PHR, PHR with n If you change places with another person, you start being in their situation or role, and they start being in yours.
  When he has tried to identify all the items, you can change places, and he can test you...
  With his door key in his hand, knowing Millie and the kids awaited him, he wouldn't change places with anyone.
  Syn:
  swap
 32) PHRASE: V inflects If you have been trying to understand something puzzling and then everything falls into place or clicks into place, you suddenly understand how different pieces of information are connected and everything becomes clearer.
  When the reasons behind the decision were explained, of course, it all fell into place...
  But it wasn't until I saw the photograph in the paper that everything clicked into place.
 33) PHRASE: V inflects If things fall into place, events happen naturally to produce a situation you want.
  Once the decision was made, things fell into place rapidly...
  Keep your options open and everything will fall into place.
 34) PHRASE: V inflects, oft cont If you say that someone is going places, you mean that they are showing a lot of talent or ability and are likely to become very successful.
  You always knew Barbara was going places, she was different.
 35) PHRASE: usu n PHR People in high places are people who have powerful and influential positions in a government, society, or organization.
  He had friends in high places...
  The discontent has been fuelled by allegations of corruption in high places.
 36) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If something is in place, it is in its correct or usual position. If it is out of place, it is not in its correct or usual position.
  Geoff hastily pushed the drawer back into place...
  Not a strand of her golden hair was out of place.
 37) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v If something such as a law, a policy, or an administrative structure is in place, it is working or able to be used.
  Similar legislation is already in place in Wales...
  They're offended by the elaborate security measures the police have put in place.
 38) PHRASE If one thing or person is used or does something in place of another, they replace the other thing or person.
  Cooked kidney beans can be used in place of French beans...
  Laurence Waters visited us in place of John Trethewy who was unfortunately ill...
  They're nice pictures and we've nothing to put in their place.
 39) PHRASE: PHR with cl/group If something has particular characteristics or features in places, it has them at several points within an area.
  Even now the snow along the roadside was five or six feet deep in places...
  His face was scarred and oddly puffy in places.
 40) PHRASE If you say what you would have done in someone else's place, you say what you would have done if you had been in their situation and had been experiencing what they were experiencing.
  In her place I wouldn't have been able to resist it...
  What would you have done in my place, my dear?
 41) PHRASE: PHR after v You say in the first place when you are talking about the beginning of a situation or about the situation as it was before a series of events.
  What brought you to Washington in the first place?...
  The emphasis is swinging away from simply finding cures for illness to ways of preventing illness in the first place...
  I don't think we should have been there in the first place.
 42) PHRASE: PHR with cl You say in the first place and in the second place to introduce the first and second in a series of points or reasons. In the first place can also be used to emphasize a very important point or reason.
  In the first place you are not old, Norman. And in the second place, you are a very strong and appealing man...
  She could not have taken these massive doses orally. In the first place, she did not have enough pills.
  Syn:
  firstly
 43) PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR to-inf If you say that it is not your place to do something, you mean that it is not right or appropriate for you to do it, or that it is not your responsibility to do it.
  He says that it is not his place to comment on government commitment to further funds...
  It's not my place to do their job.
 44) PHRASE: v-link PHR If someone or something seems out of place in a particular situation, they do not seem to belong there or to be suitable for that situation.
  I felt out of place in my suit and tie...
  Her use of the word hate sounded strange and out of place.
  ...a noble building that would not have been out of place along the Grand Canal in Venice.
 45) PHRASE: usu poss PHR If you say that someone has found their place in the sun, you mean that they are in a job or a situation where they will be happy and have everything that they want.
 46) PHRASE If you place one thing above, before, or over another, you think that the first thing is more important than the second and you show this in your behaviour.
  Many provincial governments have taken advantage of this to place local interests above those of the central government...
  He continued to place security above all other objectives.
  Syn:
  put
 47) PHRASE: V inflects If you put someone in their place, you show them that they are less important or clever than they think they are.
  In a few words she had not only put him in his place but delivered a precise and damning assessment of his movie.
  Syn:
  humble
 48) PHRASE If you say that someone should be shown their place or be kept in their place, you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they should be made aware of their low status.
  ...an uppity publican who needs to be shown his place.
  ...discrimination intended to keep women soldiers in their place.
 49) PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to n If one thing takes second place to another, it is considered to be less important and is given less attention than the other thing.
  My personal life has had to take second place to my career.
 50) PHRASE: V inflects If one thing or person takes the place of another or takes another's place, they replace the other thing or person.
  Optimism was gradually taking the place of pessimism...
  He eventually took Charlie's place in a popular Latin band.
  Syn:
  replace
 51) pride of place → see pride

paradise

[pæ̱rədaɪs]
 paradises
 1) N-PROPER According to some religions, paradise is a wonderful place where people go after they die, if they have led good lives.
  The Koran describes paradise as a place containing a garden of delight...
  If they were captured they wished to die, believing that they would go to paradise.
  Syn:
  heaven
 2) N-VAR You can refer to a place or situation that seems beautiful or perfect as paradise or a paradise.
  ...one of the world's great natural paradises...
  Scott is living and working at a mission for the homeless. He calls it a paradise compared to the camp.
 3) N-COUNT: supp N You can use paradise to say that a place is very attractive to a particular kind of person and has everything they need for a particular activity.
 → See also fool's paradise
  The Algarve is a golfer's paradise...
  Very few people have the money to take advantage of this consumer paradise.

sausage

[sɒ̱sɪʤ, AM sɔ͟ːs-]
 sausages
 N-VAR
 A sausage consists of minced meat, usually pork, mixed with other ingredients and is contained in a tube made of skin or a similar material.
  ...sausages and chips.

lamb

[læ̱m]
 lambs
 1) N-COUNT A lamb is a young sheep.
 N-UNCOUNT
 Lamb is the flesh of a lamb eaten as food. Laura was basting the leg of lamb.
 2) N-COUNT (feelings) People sometimes use lamb when they are addressing or referring to someone who they are fond of and who is young, gentle, or unfortunate.
  She came and put her arms around me. `You poor lamb. What's wrong?'
 3) PHRASE: lamb inflects, PHR after v If you say that people do something like lambs or like lambs to the slaughter, you mean that they do what someone wants them to do without complaining or fighting.
  The pair surrendered to him like lambs...
  We follow their every word like lambs to the slaughter.
 4) mutton dressed as lamb → see mutton

broccoli

[brɒ̱kəli]
 N-UNCOUNT
 Broccoli is a vegetable with green stalks and green or purple tops.

grape

[gre͟ɪp]
 grapes
 1) N-COUNT Grapes are small green or dark purple fruit which grow in bunches. Grapes can be eaten raw, used for making wine, or dried.
 2) PHRASE: usu v-link PHR, PHR after v If you describe someone's attitude as sour grapes, you mean that they say something is worthless or undesirable because they want it themselves but cannot have it.
  These accusations have been going on for some time now, but it is just sour grapes.

seafood

[si͟ːfuːd]
 seafoods
 N-UNCOUNT: also N in pl
 Seafood is shellfish such as lobsters, mussels, and crabs, and sometimes other sea creatures that you can eat.
  ...a seafood restaurant.

grain

[gre͟ɪn]
 grains
 1) N-COUNT: usu with supp A grain of wheat, rice, or other cereal crop is a seed from it.
  ...a grain of wheat.
  ...rice grains.
 2) N-MASS Grain is a cereal crop, especially wheat or corn, that has been harvested and is used for food or in trade.
  ...a bag of grain.
  ...the best grains.
 3) N-COUNT A grain of something such as sand or salt is a tiny hard piece of it.
  ...a grain of sand.
  Derived words:
  -grained COMB in ADJ-GRADED ...coarse-grained salt.
 4) N-SING: N of n A grain of a quality is a very small amount of it.
  There's more than a grain of truth in that.
 5) N-SING: the N The grain of a piece of wood is the direction of its fibres. You can also refer to the pattern of lines on the surface of the wood as the grain.
  Brush the paint generously over the wood in the direction of the grain.
  Derived words:
  -grained COMB in ADJ-GRADED ...a hard, heavy, straight-grained wood.
 6) PHRASE: V inflects If you say that an idea or action goes against the grain, you mean that it is very difficult for you to accept it or do it, because it conflicts with your previous ideas, beliefs, or principles.
  Privatisation goes against the grain of their principle of opposition to private ownership of industry.