verb

swim

I. swim¹ S3 /swɪm/ BrE AmE verb (past tense swam /swæm/, past participle swum /swʌm/, present participle swimming)
[Word Family: noun: ↑swim, ↑swimmer, ↑swimming; verb: ↑swim; adverb: ↑swimmingly]
[Language: Old English; Origin: swimman]
1. MOVE THROUGH WATER [intransitive and transitive] to move yourself through water using your arms and legs
swim in
We swam in the chilly water.
swim around/across etc
She could swim across the lake.
Let’s go swimming this afternoon.
kids learning to swim the backstroke
She was the first woman to swim the Channel.
2. WATER ANIMALS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] when fish, ducks etc swim, they move around the water using their tails and ↑fins, their feet etc:
Tropical fish swam slowly around in the tank.
3. NOT THINKING/SEEING PROPERLY [intransitive]
a) if your head swims, you start to feel confused or that everything is spinning around:
My head was swimming after looking at that screen all day.
b) if something you are looking at swims, it seems to be moving around, usually because you are ill, tired, or drunk:
The numbers swam before my eyes.
4. be swimming in something to be covered by a lot of liquid:
potatoes swimming in thick gravy
5. swim against the tide/current etc to do or say things which are different from what most people do or say, because you do not mind being different OPP swim with the tide
⇨ sink or swim at ↑sink¹(15)

speak

speak S1 W1 /spiːk/ BrE AmE verb (past tense spoke /spəʊk $ spoʊk/, past participle spoken /ˈspəʊkən $ ˈspoʊ-/)
[Word Family: adjective: ↑unspeakable, ↑speechless, ↑outspoken, ↑spoken ≠ ↑unspoken; noun: ↑speaker, ↑speech; verb: ↑speak; adverb: ↑unspeakably]
[Language: Old English; Origin: sprecan, specan]
1. IN CONVERSATION [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to talk to someone about something
speak to
I spoke to her last Wednesday.
‘Hello, may I speak to Jim Smith?’ ‘Yes, speaking’ (=used on the telephone).
I know her by sight, but not to speak to (=not well enough to talk to her).
speak to somebody about something
I haven’t spoken to Steve about all this.
speak with especially American English:
They did not want to speak with reporters.
speak of
It was the first time she had ever spoken of marriage.
2. SAY WORDS [intransitive] to use your voice to produce words:
I was so shocked I couldn’t speak.
He spoke very softly (=quietly).
3. LANGUAGE [transitive not in progressive] to be able to talk in a particular language:
Do you speak English?
I don’t speak a word of French (=do not speak any French at all).
can/can’t speak something
Several children in the class can’t speak English.
French-speaking/Italian-speaking etc
a German-speaking secretary
4. FORMAL SPEECH [intransitive] to make a formal speech
speak at
Jones spoke at the teachers’ annual convention.
speak to
She asked me to speak to her students about my work in marketing.
speak in favour of/against
Only one MP spoke against the bill. ⇨ ↑speaker(1)
5. EXPRESS IDEAS/OPINIONS [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to say something that expresses your ideas or opinions
speak as a parent/teacher/democrat etc
He emphasized that he was speaking as a private citizen, not in any official capacity.
speak well/highly/ill of somebody (=say good or bad things about someone)
Her co-workers spoke highly of her.
It’s wrong to speak ill of the dead.
strictly/generally/roughly speaking (=used when expressing an idea that you think is exactly true, generally true etc)
Strictly speaking, it’s my money, not yours. I earned it.
6. so to speak used when you are saying something in words that do not have their usual meaning:
We have to pull down the barriers, so to speak, of poverty.
7. speak your mind to tell people exactly what you think, even if it offends them:
He was a tough politician who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.
8. be not speaking/not be on speaking terms if two people are not speaking, they do not talk to each other, usually because they have argued:
He was not on speaking terms with his brother or sisters.
9. speak volumes (about/for something) if something speaks volumes, it clearly shows the nature of something or the feelings of a person:
What you wear speaks volumes about you.
10. speak with one voice if a group of people speak with one voice, they all express the same opinion:
On this issue, the 12 organizations spoke with one voice.
11. speak the same language if two people or groups speak the same language, they have similar attitudes and opinions
12. speak out of turn to say something when you do not have the right or authority to say it
⇨ actions speak louder than words at ↑action¹(13), ⇨ the facts speak for themselves at ↑fact(8), ⇨ in a manner of speaking at ↑manner(5)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 5)
■ adverbs
▪ speak well/highly of somebody (=say good things about them) He always spoke very highly of Marge.
▪ speak ill of somebody (=say bad things about them) She never speaks ill of him.
▪ speaking personally Speaking personally, yes, this is a worry.
▪ strictly speaking Strictly speaking, the tomato is a fruit.
▪ generally speaking Generally speaking, the results have been good.
▪ roughly/broadly speaking These innovations are, roughly speaking, what this book is about.
▪ relatively speaking Relatively speaking, property there is still cheap.
■ phrases
▪ speak as a parent/teacher etc Speaking as a medical man, I'd advise you to take some exercise every day.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to speak a language
▪ speak to be able to talk in a foreign language: Do you speak German? | I learnt Spanish for years, but I still don’t speak it very well.
▪ be fluent in something to be very good at speaking and understanding a foreign language, so that you can speak it almost as well as your own language: Applicants should be fluent in Cantonese.
▪ get by to speak enough of a language to be able to buy things, ask for help etc: ‘What’s your Italian like?’ ‘Not great, but I can get by.’ | I’ve just bought a book called ‘Get by in Portuguese'.
▪ have/pick up a smattering of something to speak or learn to speak a small but useful amount of a language: While I was in Bali, I picked up a smattering of Indonesian.
speak for phrasal verb
1. speak for somebody/something to express the feelings, thoughts, or beliefs of a person or group of people:
Dan, speaking for the students, started the meeting.
2. speak for yourself spoken used to tell someone that you do not have the same opinion as they do, or that something that is true for them is not true for you:
‘We don’t want to go.’ ‘Speak for yourself!’
3. be spoken for if something or someone is spoken for, they have already been promised to someone else:
They’re all either married or spoken for.
4. speak for itself/themselves to show something very clearly:
The results speak for themselves.
speak of something phrasal verb
1. literary to show clearly that something happened or exists:
Her skin spoke of warm summer days spent in the sun.
2. no ... to speak of (also none/nothing to speak of) very little of something or a very small thing:
There’s been no rain to speak of for several months.
The house had no garden to speak of.
speak out phrasal verb
to publicly speak in protest about something, especially when protesting could be dangerous
speak out about/against
Five students who had spoken out against the regime were arrested.
speak to phrasal verb
1. to talk to someone who has done something wrong and tell them not to do it again:
Joe was late again today. You’ll have to speak to him.
2. if something such as a poem, painting, or piece of music speaks to you, you like it because it expresses a particular meaning, quality, or feeling to you:
Modern art just doesn’t speak to me.
speak up phrasal verb
1. used to ask someone to speak louder:
Could you speak up, please?
2. to say something, especially to express your opinion:
There was a brief silence, then Gerald spoke up.
3. speak up for somebody to speak in support of someone:
He is willing to speak up for the rights of women.

sing

sing S1 W2 /sɪŋ/ BrE AmE verb (past tense sang /sæŋ/, past participle sung /sʌŋ/)
[Word Family: noun: ↑singer, ↑singing; verb: ↑sing; adjective: ↑unsung]
[Language: Old English; Origin: singan]
1. WITH YOUR VOICE [intransitive and transitive] to produce a musical sound with your voice:
She can sing beautifully.
Most children enjoy singing.
We had a great time singing some of the old songs.
sing to
My mother used to sing to me when I was young.
He was singing to himself quietly.
sing somebody something
Come on, sing us a song!
I’ve never been able to sing in tune (=sing the correct notes).
She patiently sang the baby to sleep. ⇨ ↑singing
2. BIRDS [intransitive] if birds sing, they produce high musical sounds:
I could hear the birds singing outside my window.
3. HIGH NOISE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to make a high whistling sound:
A kettle was singing on the stove.
sing past
A bullet sang past my ear.
4. sing sb’s praises to praise someone very much:
Mrs Edwards was singing your praises today.
5. sing a different tune to say something different from what you said before:
You’re singing a different tune now!
6. be singing from the same hymn sheet/book used to say that a group of people all have the same aims or all express the same opinion on a particular subject:
Union representatives are all singing from the same hymn sheet on the issue of pay.
7. GIVE INFORMATION [intransitive] informal to tell people everything you know about a crime when they ask you questions about it – used especially by criminals and the police:
I think he’ll sing.
sing along phrasal verb
to sing with someone else who is already singing:
Sing along if you know the words.
sing along to
Jess was singing along to the radio.
sing out phrasal verb
1. sing out (something) to shout or sing some words clearly and loudly:
‘Freeze!’ a shrill voice sang out.
2. American English to sing loudly so that people can hear you easily
sing up phrasal verb British English
to sing more loudly:
Sing up, boys, I can’t hear you!

play

I. play¹ S1 W1 /pleɪ/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑play, ↑interplay, ↑replay, ↑player, ↑playfulness; verb: ↑play, ↑outplay, ↑replay; adjective: ↑playful, ↑playable; adverb: ↑playfully]
[Language: Old English; Origin: plegan]
1. CHILDREN [intransitive and transitive] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often with other people or with toys:
Kids were playing and chasing each other.
play catch/house/tag/school etc
Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians.
play with
Did you like to play with dolls when you were little?
Parents need to spend time just playing with their children.
2. SPORTS/GAMES
a) [intransitive and transitive] to take part or compete in a game or sport:
Karen began playing basketball when she was six.
If you feel any pain, you shouldn’t play.
Men were sitting in the park, playing cards.
play against
Bristol will play against Coventry next week.
She’s playing Helen Evans in the semi-final (=playing against her).
play for
Moxon played for England in ten test matches.
b) [transitive] to use a particular piece, card, person etc in a game or sport:
Harrison played a ten of spades.
The Regents played Eddie at center (=used him as a player in that position) in the game against Arizona.
c) [intransitive and transitive] to take a particular position on a team:
Garvey played first base for the Dodgers.
d) [transitive] to hit a ball in a particular way or to a particular place in a game or sport:
She played the ball low, just over the net.

MUSIC [intransitive and transitive]
to perform a piece of music on a musical instrument:
He’s learning to play the piano.
She played a Bach prelude.
Haden has played with many jazz greats.
A small orchestra was playing.
4. RADIO/CD ETC [intransitive and transitive] if a radio, CD etc plays, or if you play it, it produces sound, especially music:
The bedside radio played softly.
play a record/CD/tape etc
DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks
5. THEATRE/FILM
a) [transitive] to perform the actions and say the words of a particular character in a theatre performance, film etc:
Streep plays a shy, nervous woman.
play a role/part/character etc
Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge.
b) [intransitive] if a play or film is playing at a particular theatre, it is being performed or shown there:
‘Macbeth’ is playing at the Theatre Royal in York.
c) [transitive] if actors play a theatre, they perform there in a play
6. play a part/role to have an effect or influence on something
play a part/role in
A good diet and fitness play a large part in helping people live longer.
7. play ball
a) to throw, kick, hit, or catch a ball as a game or activity:
Jim and Karl were playing ball in the backyard.
b) to do what someone wants you to do:
So far, the company has refused to play ball, preferring to remain independent.
8. PRETEND [linking verb] to behave as if you are a particular kind of person or have a particular feeling or quality, even though it is not true:
the accusation that scientists are playing God
Some snakes fool predators by playing dead.
‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).'
Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened.
play the idiot/the teacher etc
Susan felt she had to play the good wife.
He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working.
9. BEHAVE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to behave in a particular way in a situation, in order to achieve the result or effect that you want:
How do you want to play this meeting?
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
play it carefully/cool etc
If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off.
10. play games to hide your real feelings or wishes in order to achieve something in a clever or secret way – used to show disapproval:
Stop playing games, Luke, and tell me what you want.
11. play something by ear
a) to decide what to do according to the way a situation develops, without making plans before that time:
We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear.
b) if someone can play a musical instrument by ear, they can play a tune without looking at written music
12. play a joke/trick/prank on somebody to do something to someone as a joke or trick
13. play the game
a) to do things in the way you are expected to do them or in a way that is usual in a particular situation:
If you want a promotion, you’ve got to play the game.
b) British English to behave in a fair and honest way
14. play the race/nationalist/environmentalist etc card to use a particular subject in politics in order to gain an advantage:
a leader who is skilfully playing the nationalist card to keep power
15. play your cards right to say or do things in a situation in such a way that you gain as much as possible from it:
Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you.
16. play your cards close to your chest to keep secret what you are doing in a situation
17. play into sb’s hands to do what someone you are competing with wants you to do, without realizing it:
If we respond with violence, we’ll be playing into their hands, giving them an excuse for a fight.
18. play for time to try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it or prevent it from happening:
The rebels may be playing for time while they try to get more weapons.
19. play tricks (on you) if your mind, memory, sight etc plays tricks on you, you feel confused and not sure about what is happening:
It happened a long time ago, and my memory might be playing tricks on me.
20. play the market to risk money on the ↑stock market as a way of trying to earn more money
21. play the system to use the rules of a system in a clever way, to gain advantage for yourself:
Accountants know how to play the tax system.
22. play second fiddle (to somebody) to be in a lower position or rank than someone else
23. play hard to get to pretend that you are not sexually interested in someone so that they will become more interested in you
24. SMILE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if a smile plays about someone’s lips, they smile slightly
25. play hooky American English, play truant British English to stay away from school without permission
26. play with fire to do something that could have a very dangerous or harmful result:
Dating the boss’s daughter is playing with fire.
27. play to your strengths to do what you are able to do well, rather than trying to do other things:
It is up to us to play to our strengths and try to control the game.
28. LIGHT [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if light plays on something, it shines on it and moves on it:
the sunlight playing on the water
29. WATER [intransitive] written if a ↑fountain plays, water comes from it
30. play a hose/light on something to point a ↑hose or light towards something so that water or light goes onto it
31. play the field to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people
32. play fast and loose with something to not be careful about what you do, especially by not obeying the law or a rule:
They played fast and loose with investors’ money.
33. play happy families British English to spend time with your family, doing normal things, especially so that your family appears to be happy when it is not
play around (also play about British English) phrasal verb
1. to have a sexual relationship with someone who is not your usual partner
play around with
Wasn’t she playing around with another man?
It was years before I realized he’d been playing around.
2. to try doing something in different ways, to see what would be best, especially when this is fun
play around with
Play around with the ingredients if you like.
3. to behave in a silly way or waste time, when you should be doing something more serious SYN fool around:
When the teacher wasn’t looking, we used to play about a lot.
play around with something (also play about with something British English) phrasal verb
to keep moving or making changes to something in your hands SYN fiddle with:
Will you stop playing around with the remote control!
play along phrasal verb
1. to pretend to agree to do what someone wants, in order to avoid annoying them or to get an advantage:
She felt she had to play along or risk losing her job.
2. play somebody along British English to tell someone something that is not true because you need their help in some way
play at something phrasal verb
1. What is somebody playing at? British English spoken used when you do not understand what someone is doing or why they are doing it, and you are surprised or annoyed:
What do you think you’re playing at?
2. if you play at doing something, you do not do it properly or seriously
play at doing something
He’s still playing at being an artist.
3. British English if children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldiers etc
play at being something
a 14-year-old playing at being a grown woman
play something ↔ back phrasal verb
to play something that has been recorded on a machine so that you can listen to it or watch it:
He played back his answering machine messages.
play something ↔ down phrasal verb
to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is:
Management has been playing down the possibility of job losses.
play down the importance/seriousness/significance of something
The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event.
play off phrasal verb
1. British English if people or teams play off, they play the last game in a sports competition, in order to decide who is the winner:
The top two teams will play off at Twickenham for the county title.
2. play off somebody/something American English to deliberately use a fact, action, idea etc in order to make what you are doing better or to get an advantage:
The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation.
play somebody off against somebody phrasal verb
to encourage one person or group to compete or argue with another, in order to get some advantage for yourself:
The house seller may try to play one buyer off against another, to raise the price.
play on/upon something phrasal verb
to use a feeling, fact, or idea in order to get what you want, often in an unfair way:
The ad plays on our emotions, showing a doctor holding a newborn baby.
play something ↔ out phrasal verb
1. if an event or situation is played out or plays itself out, it happens:
It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out.
2. if people play out their dreams, feelings etc, they express them by pretending that a particular situation is really happening:
The weekend gives you a chance to play out your fantasies.
play up phrasal verb
1. play something ↔ up to emphasize something, sometimes making it seem more important than it really is:
Play up your strongest arguments in the opening paragraph.
2. play (somebody) up British English informal if children play up, they behave badly:
Jordan’s been playing up in school.
I hope the kids don’t play you up.
3. play (somebody) up British English informal to hurt you or cause problems for you:
My knee’s been playing me up this week.
The car’s playing up again.
play up to somebody phrasal verb
to behave in a very polite or kind way to someone because you want something from them:
Connie always plays up to her parents when she wants money.
play with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to keep touching something or moving it:
Stop playing with the light switch!
2. to try doing something in different ways to decide what works best:
Play with the design onscreen, moving text and pictures until you get a pleasing arrangement.
3. to consider an idea or possibility, but not always very seriously SYN toy with:
After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.
4. money/time/space etc to play with money, time etc that is available to be used:
The budget is very tight, so there isn’t much money to play with.
5. play with yourself to touch your own sex organs for pleasure SYN masturbate
6. play with words/language to use words in a clever or amusing way

II. paint² S2 W3 BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑paint, ↑painter, ↑painting, repaint; verb: ↑paint, repaint; adjective: ↑painterly]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: peint, past participle of peindre 'to paint', from Latin pingere]
1. [intransitive and transitive] to put paint on a surface:
The ceiling needs painting.
brightly painted houses
paint something (in) blue/red/green etc
We painted the door blue.
Paint the walls in a contrasting colour.
The living room was painted in pastel shades of pink and blue.
2. [intransitive and transitive] to make a picture, design etc using paint:
A white cross was painted on the door.
Turner is famous for painting landscapes.
paint in oils/watercolours etc (=paint using a particular type of paint)
He paints mainly in acrylics.
3. [transitive] to put a coloured substance on part of your face or body to make it different or more attractive:
The children’s faces were painted to look like animals.
She’d painted her toenails with red nail polish.
4. [transitive] to describe someone or something in a particular way
paint somebody/something as something
She’s often been painted as a tough businesswoman.
paint a grim/rosy/gloomy picture of somebody/something
Dickens painted a grim picture of Victorian life.
The article painted him in a bad light (=described him in a way that made him seem bad).
5. paint the town (red) informal to go out to bars, clubs etc to enjoy yourself
⇨ not be as black as you are painted at ↑black¹(10)
paint something ↔ out phrasal verb
to cover part of a picture or sign with paint so that it can no longer be seen:
The name of the firm had been partially painted out.
paint over something phrasal verb
to cover a picture or surface with new paint:
Much of the original decoration was painted over.

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.