cabbage(n) :1-<derog>an idle person who has no special interest or ability. _Why don't you try to do sthg, you cabbage! 2-a person who has lost the ability to think, talk or walk, etc. because of an accident, illness or brain damage, etc.
cabby(n) :taxi driver, cabdriver.
cackhanded(adj) :(Br)having no ability; unskillful; clumsy. _Who's your rival?-Jimmy, -Well, you don't have to worry, he's really a cackhanded boy!
cut the cackle(v) :(Br)<slang>(usu. used imperatively)to stop talking and deal with one’s work, responsibility, role in a discussion, etc. _Hey guys, just cut the cackle and make up a decision about the new project.
cadge(v) :[for/from/off](to try)to obtain sthg by requesting, begging, etc. _He ---d $20 for ticket from me at the weekend.
cadger(n) :a person who cadges.
cagey(adj) :1-full of secrets; unwilling to tell. _She's very --- about the accident she had last year. 2-clever and cunning so as not to be trapped or deceived; shrewd.
in cahoots over sthg(adj) :having secret and esp. unlawful intentions or plans about sthg esp. against a particular person.
raise Cain(v) :to cause or arouse trouble esp. by complaining or arguing.
CAKE(n)
(be)a piece of cake(v,adj) :(Br)(to be)easy to do.
a/sb’s slice/cut/share of the cake(n) :a/sb’s share of sthg profitable (esp. money)
have one's cake and eat it (too)(v) :to have the advantages of sthg while there are some disadvantages. _If I go swimming afternoon, I won’t be able to watch the film on TV, I just can’t have my cake and eat it.
sell/go like hot cakes(v) :to sell/be bought quickly and in great amounts (esp. because sthg is cheap) _Those second-hand walkmans are selling like hot cakes. If you want one, you’d better get one before they’re all gone.
take the cake(v) :1-to win the prize. 2-to do sthg bad, as stupidity; blunder. 3-(esp. used to express surprise)to be the best or worst example of sthg.
calaboose(n) :prison; jail.
calculate(v) :to assume; guess; suppose. _I --- it'll be a difficult exam for me since I couldn't study much.
calf/puppy love(n) :a short-lasting love felt by a person (esp. when young or child)
CALL(v)
Phrasal Verbs
call by(v) :to visit a place when it is on the way of somewhere that a person goes. _I'll ---- at the market on the way to home.
call sb down(v) :to talk severely, angrily and officially in order to blame; reprimand. _He was --- again because of being late.
call sb up(v) :to order to enlist or join the army. _My dad was --- in 1945.
Idioms
call a spade a spade(v) :to speak clearly, openly and without being delicate or sensitive. also <humor>call a spade a (bloody) shovel.
call the tune/shots(v) :to be in a domineering position, or having control over the others. _Who's the boss here? -That guy on the corner is ----.
don’t call us, we’ll call you :<humor>(used to express one’s disapproval or disinterest in sthg that another person is doing or offering)I’ll not keep in touch or contact with you. _How was your appointment, will you be able to take the job. -I don’t think, it’s the same answer again: Don’t call us, we’ll call you!
calorific(adj) :(of food) having calories that causes a person to become fat, or to gain weight. _The doctor her to keep out of --- foods.
calvinist, calvinistic(adj) :<derog>having strict moral standards and living away from pleasure; puritanical. _Martha won’t come to the party with us, her family is awfully calvinistic.
CAMP(v)
camp out(v) :(Br)to live under difficult conditions for a short period of time. _We'll have to --- till I get my salary.
camp it up(v) :to act affectedly, in a funny way, in order to draw people’s attention; to overact. 2-to behave in a sexually affected way.
camp(adj) :1-(of a man)behaving in woman-like manner, esp., in an intentional way; sissy. 2-homosexual.
can(modal) :may; to be allowed to. _Mom said we can go swimming. (In informal usage can, _that shows the ability_ is used in the way that shows the permission or allowance. _Can I leave the class early?)
can(n) :(Am)<slang>1-jail; prison. 2-toilet. 3-<slang>buttocks. _I like the girls with big cans.
in the can(adj) :1-likely to be finished or agreed upon. _John, I can’t see the report on my table. -Sir, it’s just in the can, you’ll get it very soon. 2-(of films)finished and ready for showing.
carry the can(v) :to take the responsibility or blame. _He was my lovely brother, he always used to carry the can when I did something wrong.
can(v) :(Am)<slang>1-to dismiss, or fire from a job, etc; to sack. 2-to stop; to end to do sthg. _I'm screamfully bored, Could you please ---it!
canned(adj) :1-recorded. _The recent TV comedies are being broadcast with the --- laughter. 2-<slang>drunk.
CANDLE(n)
burn the candle at both ends(v) :to be very busy during the day and stay up late at night.
can't hold/is not fit to hold a candle(v) :not to be able to be as good as (sb or sthg). _Nobody can hold a candle to her when it comes to typing.
be worth the candle(v) :(of an activity, affair, plan, etc.)not to be worthy of effort, money, or time to spend on.
cannabis, also dope, pot, grass(n) :the drug that is produced from a particular type of plant and used in cigarettes to give pleasure and desire to sleep.
cannot (help) but(v) :to be forced or obliged to; must. _I can’t help but laugh at that ridiculous offer!
##paddle one's own canoe(v) :1-to trust or rely on oneself. _You should --- if you want to achieve sthg by yourself. 2-to do one’s own affairs by oneself, without any help from others.
canoodle(v) :[with]<rarely used>to make love by hugging, kissing, caressing, etc.; to cuddle. _I saw a couple canoodling in the park.
cantankerous(adj) :angry; bad-tempered; ready to argue.
CAP(n)
if the cap-(Br)/shoe-(Am) fits, wear it :if the statement, idea, thought, remark, etc. is true; then accept it. _I didn’t mean your son is a bit slow in understanding, but if the caps fits, wear it! (usu. shortened to if the cap/shoe fits.)
put one’s thinking cap on(v) :to think or ponder about sthg very carefully.
set one's cap for/at(v) :(of a woman)to try to win a man as a husband. _Why is she behaving so kindly? _She's set his cap for that smart guy.
to cap/top/crown it all(adv) :(used to express sthg unpleasant)in addition to all; finally. _I was coughing, the weather was very cold, and to cap it all, I was out of the pool and had no towel.
caper(n) :(Am)a crime.
cut a caper(v) :to act joyfully and excitedly (esp. after a troublesome affair.)
capital(adj) :perfect; extremely good; excellent. _He has always --- ideas.
with a big/capital A, B, C, etc.(adv) :(used to show that a person has the very qualities of the stated kind or type. _He’s a strict officer with a big O!
CARD(n)
card(n) :an amusing person; wag; humorist.
one’s best/trump card(n) : (used usu. after play and esp. to prove sthg in a discussion)one’s best or strongest idea, proof, knowledge, etc.
get/be given one’s cards(v) :(Br)to be fired from one’s job. _I heard you were given your cards, is that right?
go through the whole card(v) :to make notice or try of every possible ways or means. _A person has to go through the whole card before making up a choice of which branch he/she will study on.
on-(Br)/in-(Am) the cards(adj) :likely to happen. _The economists declare that one more devaluation is --.
play/keep/hold one’s cards close to one’s/the chest(v) :to keep one’s advantages secret in order to make a successful or impressive effect. _You have to play your cards close to your chest until the final day of the election.
play one’s cards right/well(v) :to behave or act cleverly in order to get an advantage in a particular situation. _If you play your cards right, you can be a manager at the time you’re thirty.
for all sb cares/knows(adv) :(used to express neglect, disinterest, etc.) I/he/she, etc. don’t/doesn’t care at all. _You can do whatever you want, for all I care!
carhop(n) :a waiter/waitress working at a drive-in restaurant.
carp(v) :[on/about/at]<derog>to criticize continually and annoyingly. Stop carping you silly boy!.
carpet(v) :to scold, reprimand or talk angrily to blame for sthg done bad or for a foolish remark, etc. _The little child was ---ed after he broke the antique vase.
on the carpet(adj) :(used after be/have) likely to be scolded or reprimanded by sb of a higher rank, etc. _He had him on the carpet for lying him.
sweep/brush (sthg) under the carpet/rug(v) :to keep unknown or try to forget sthg. _I can’t sweep it under the carpet, he was just treating me like a dirt at home.
carrot(n) :1-a promised gift, advantage for doing sthg esp. used in convincing or persuading sb. 2-(Am)<slang>the penis.
CARRY(v)
Phrasal Verbs
carry on(v) :to behave in an excited and anxious way. _Why are you --- so much? -Well, I've butterflies in my stomach, I’ll have an important test today.
carry on with(v) :to have a love affair with, esp. an improper one. _This is the hundredth woman with whom he's ----.
Idioms
be left carrying/to carry the baby-(Br)/bag-(Am)(v) :to be left responsible for sthg to be done that is difficult and unpleasant to do. _"Why am I always carrying the bag , Mom", he grouched angrily.
carry-on(n) :(Br)a foolish behavior; fuss.
carrying-on, carryings-on (n) :foolish behavior.
in the cart(adj) :(Br)<slang>in a difficult, troublesome situation, esp. in which a person is likely to be scolded.
cart(v) :[off]to take (sb) away forcefully. The soldiers carted the criminal off to jail.
carve sb/sthg up(v) :<slang>1-to make sb injured with a knife. 2-(Br)(of a motorist)to pass a car and drive in front of it for a long time.
Casanova(n) :<derog>a man who has (or pretends to have) lots of lovers.
case(n) :a strange and unusual person.
a hard case(n) :<derog>a bad-tempered person, esp. a criminal who has rough behaviors and is always difficult to deal with.
case(v) :to examine carefully esp. with the criminal decision or intent. _He cased the shop before rubbing.
cash(n) :money.
cash in on(v) :1-to make a gain from, to have a profit from. 2-to use one's advantage.
cast-iron(adj) :strong or insensitive; unyielding. _I am depending on my--- stomach, I can eat anything I like. 2-doubtless; impossible to question. _She makes up some cast-iron excuses every time she gets late to the office.
castoff(n) :unwanted and useless clothes and dressings. _I gave my ---s to my younger brother.
CAT(n)
cat(n) :1-a jazz player ; a person who is a jazz music fan. 2-<slang>a man.
be the cat’s whiskers(v) :to be the most popular, and favorable person.(esp. in the phrase think one is the cat’s whiskers)
bell the cat(v) :<rarely used>to do sthg dangerous or difficult or risky, esp. for the goodness of others.
let the cat out of the bag(v) :to unravel, make known or tell a secret unintentionally.
like a cat on hot bricks-(Br)/on a hot tin roof-(Am)(adj) :very nervous, anxious and unable to keep one's attention on a stated subject or thing.
look what’s the cat brought/dragged in! :<humor>(used to express surprise at sb when he/she enters a room with an untidy appearance) _After playing soccer with his friends, he came home looking like the cat’s dragged in! (also look like sthg the cat’s brought/dragged in)
not have/stand a cat in hell’s chance(v) :[of +Ving]to have no chance at all. _I’ve lost great amount of money on horse races, I’ve never had a cat in hell’s chance.
put/set the cat among the pigeons(v) :to cause trouble or confusion. _The teacher put the cat among the pigeons in the class when she said that she won’t tolerate any mistakes in the exam papers.
rain cats and dogs(v) :to rain very heavily.
see which way the cat jumps ,also wait for the cat to jump, also find out which way the cat has jumped(v) : <rarely used>to see/find out what or how the other people are doing or thinking esp. before making a decision or a plan.
when the cat is away the mice will do/play(v) :when the boss/chief, (the influential or powerful person)etc. is away, the others(esp. employees) will behave as they want or like (esp. against the regulations)
cat-and-dog(adj) :full of angry, arguments. _He had a poor cat-and-dog life.
cat's paw(n) :a person whose job is dangerous and unpleasant and under one command.
catnap(n) :a light and short-lasting sleep.
catch(n) :1-a hidden or unusual problem, trouble or defect; trick or trap; snag. _The price of that huge house is very cheap ,there must be a --- in it. 2-sb who is desirable or eligible as a marriage partner.
catch it(v) :to be scolded, reprimanded or to take a punishment for doing sthg wrong.
catch on(v) :1-to understand. _Could you --- what I mean? 2-to become famous or well-known by the people.
catch one's death(v) :(of a cold)to catch a cold that is too dangerous for one's life.
catching(adj) :(of a disease)contagious; infectious.
catty(adj) :(of a woman)having hidden anger and hatred; spiteful; malicious.
caution(n) :1-a peculiar, strange, odd person. 2-sb or sthg surprising, astonishing, or amusing, etc.
cave in (to)(v) :<often derog>to give up resistance ,against a pressure or persuasion; yield.
caveman(n) :man who behaves roughly esp. towards the women.
cavort(v) :to jump, move, and dance enjoyably and noisily.
hit the ceiling(v) :to lose one's self-control or temper and to become very angry. _Just be calm, no need to ---.
celebrate(v) :to enjoy oneself; to have a good time.
not have a red cent(v) :to have no money.
cert(n) :(Br) sthg that is considered to happen unquestionably. or certainly; certainty. (esp. in the phrase It’s a dead cert)._It’s a dead cert for him to be the head of the company after Mr. Johnson’s retirement.
chaff(v) :<rarely used>to make fun of ; tease. _Shame on you, you --- the old man trying to tell sthg serious.
chaff(n) :a person who chaffs; banter.
chair(n) :(esp. in US)the punishment or condemnation of death with an electric chair.
as different as chalk and cheese(adj) : having no common qualities ;completely different from each other. _It’s hard to believe that Brian and David are brothers, they’re as different as chalk and cheese!
not by a long chalk(adv) :not at all, in no way; not by any means. _Was the film interesting as he said? -Not by a long chalk!, it was completely dull.
chalk sthg up(v) :1-to succeed; to achieve(esp. defeat in games)_The baseball team ---- one more victory. 2-[to/against]to pay/be paid from one’s account; <fig>.to charge to/against sb. _She told the waiter to chalk up the dinner to her. / _You’re under police watch, so anything you do wrong will be chalked up against you.
champion(n) :1-also,champ :a person or animal who has won a competition on a stated activity such as skill, strength, etc. _a wrestling ---.-a person who defends, supports or leads a principle, etc. _She will give a conference in the briefing room, she's a champion of women's rights.
champion(adj,adv) :(Br)excellent, very good. _How do you feel today? -Champion!
fancy one’s/sb’s chances(v) :to believe that one/sb is likely to be successful.
take one’s chance(v) :to trust one’s luck and admit his/her fate even the result is unpleasant. _You should take your chance if you want to be a police officer.
chance(v) :to take the chance of; to risk. _Do you dare --- the possibility of getting caught by the police.
chance it, also chance one's arm/luck(v) :to take a chance of success, although there is a possibility of failure.
chancy(adj) :uncertain, risky or dangerous.
get no/small/little change out of(sb)(v) :to get no/little advice, support or help from (sb).
give/get short change(v) :to give/get less attention and interest than expected. _Brown family is giving the older brother short change.
chap(n) :(Br)a male person.
chapter and verse(n) :(esp. in the phrase give/get chapter and verse for)the whole details of an affair. _The police must get chapter and verse for the robbery in order to find out the gang.
char(n) :1-(Br)a charwoman(=a woman who works as a cleaner in houses, offices, etc.) 2-<slang><rarely used>tea. _What would you like to drink? -A cup of char will be all right!
character(n) :1-a person of the particular and stated kind. 2-an eccentric and joking person. _Do you know Donald, Mary?, He’s quite a character in our class.
(as) cold as charity(adj) :1-(of the weather) excessively cold. 2-(of a person)very distant in manner; aloof.
charlady, charwoman, char(n) :a woman who works as a cleaner in offices, houses, or buildings.
like a charm/dream(adv) :(esp. after go/work)very well; perfectly. _His studyings went like a charm on the exam.
a wild goose chase(n) :(esp. after be)an examination, search, or chase that is impossible to be succeeded or accomplished. _The police is on a wild goose chance on the Elm Street Murder.
chase(v) :to hurry; to act quickly. _Mom ---d all over the shop looking for her son.
chase the dragon(v) :to take heroin into the blood by injection.
chaser(n) :a drink taken after a hard liquor, as water or beer, and causes a lessening in the effect of the liquor.
chat(n) :[about/with]a friendly talk, an informal conversation.
sales chat(n) :talk (to a prospective customer) to boost the sales of goods or to lower the prices.
chat sb up(v) :(Br)(esp. of men)to try to win friendship of a woman by talking. _The boss always ---- up the girls in the office.
chatterbox(n) :sb who talks idly and meaninglessly and esp. very much.
chatty(adj) :1-talkative; fond of talking. 2-having the style or manner of friendly, familiar and informal conversation. _He sends lots of chatty letters to me every month.
cheap(adj) :stingy; unwilling to spend money.
cheap(adv) :in a way that causes people's low and contempt opinion over.
feel cheap(v) :to feel oneself embarrassed, or ashamed.
on the cheap(adv) :on sale; on a low price.
cheapskate(n) :a stingy or cheap person.
cheat(v) :[on]to be sexually disloyal to one's wife or husband, or lover by having a sexual relationship with another person. _Have you ever ---ed on your wife?-Not in your life!
check up on(v) :to make thorough inquiries about. _The police were --- the mysterious story.
check-up(n) :a regular and not detailed medical examination.
cheek(n) :1-not polite, and unkind act or behavior; disrespectful impudence. _He really has the cheek to ask the Madam her age. 2-buttocks.
with/have (one's) tongue in (one's) cheek (adv,v) :saying/to say sthg untrue, esp. as a joke and in order to deceive sb playfully. _She said that she’d give her assignment this week. -Don't care her much for what she says, she usually speaks with ---.
cheek(v) :(Br)to behave in a cheek way, disrespectfully and roughly.
cheeky(adj) :rud e, contemptuous, unkind; impudent.
cheer (sb) up(v) :(to cause) to be in higher spirits or get happier; to buck up. _Cheer up!, you didn't get a low grade.
Cheerio(interj) :(Br)1-hello,goodbye. 2-Good luck. (often used when drinking with sb.)
Cheers(interj) :(Br)1-(when drinking with sb)For good health. 2-(on the phone)Goodbye. 2-Thanks.
the/a big cheese(n) :a person who has the most power, influence, etc. over.
hard cheese!(interj) :bad luck!(used with a negative meaning and that expresses that one doesn’t care other person’s misfortune, failure, etc.) _It’s raining heavily, I’m afraid I can’t go out today, hard cheese!
cheese it!(v) :<rarely used>(used imperatively)1-to escape or run away fast. 2-to keep quiet.
cheesed off(adj) :[with]bored (with); tired (of). _I’m really cheesed off with the film, let’s go out before it ends.
cheesecate(n) :a photograph of a woman that shows her figure, and esp. arousing sexual attraction.
a blank check(n) :full freedom or permission to do sthg what one likes, wants, or considers to be necessary. _The detective was given a blank check in order to find out the murderer.
cherub(n) :an attractive and charming child.
cherry(n) :<slang>the state of being sexually pure or inexperienced.(esp. in the phrase lose one’s cherry.)
two bites of/at the cherry(n) :(used after give/get/have, etc.)two chances or attempts to do sthg. _You couldn’t succeed it again, even though you’re given two bites at the cherry!
grin like a cheshire cat :to smile wildly so as to show all one’s teeth.
get sthg off one's chest(v) :to say or tell about one’s worries, problems, etc. that may cause trouble and that a person is worried to say.
chestnut(n) :a story or joke that is too much repeated, too old, and well-known; cliché.
pull the/sb’s chestnuts out of the fire(v) :<rarely used>to save a person or a situation from trouble, difficulty, danger, etc. esp. by putting oneself into danger.
chesty(adj) :1-sounding as if it comes from the chest ._His --- cough disturbs all the persons in the office. 2-<derog>having large breasts; bosomy.
chew(v) :to chew tobacco(=to crush tobacco among the teeth.
bite off more than one can chew(v) :to try as much as a person can deal or succeed in finishing.
chew sb out(v) :to scold severely, and angrily. _Why is she looking so dismal?-The teacher --- her out.!
chew sthg over(v) :to spend time in considering about a problem, question, matter, etc.; to ponder. _I stayed up late last night, chewed over my low grades.
chew (up) on sthg(v) :to consider about sthg; to ponder.
chew the cud(v) :to consider deeply about sthg esp of a decision.
chew the fat(v) :to talk about the affairs that don’t concern one; to chat or gossip; to make rumors about. _Whenever my mom and the neighbors come together, they just do nothing more than chewing the fat.
chick(n) :<slang><rarely used>a beautiful young woman.
chicken(n) :1-a person who has a lack of courage; coward. 2-<slang>young person. _This year he’ll get 23, he’s no spring chicken anymore.(esp. in the phrase no spring chicken) 3-a game (usu. of children) in which the contestants fight or do sthg dangerous in order to see who is most courageous. _Let’s play chicken! Are you all set?
Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched! :Don’t believe, or expect that sthg of success, or victory will happen until it really happens.
chicken (adj) :scared; cowardly.
chickenfeed(n) :a little and unimportant amount of money. _The chief offered me $1000 salary, but it's --- compared to my ex-salary.
chicken out(v) :<derog> to decide not to do sthg because of being afraid. _The witness ---ed out what he would tell about the murder.
chicki(adj) :<derog> trying to be fashionable but seems too showy.
child’s play(n) :sthg very easy to do.
latchkey child(n) :a child that is left at home since both the parents go out to work.
chilled/frozen to the bone/marrow(adj) :(of a person)feeling extremely cold; trembling. _It was sunny in the morning, but now I’m chilled to the bone!
chime(v) :[with] to agree.
chime in (with)(v) :to cut in on or interrupt a talk by expressing an opinion.
chimneysweep, also sweep(n) :a person whose job is to clean the inside of the chimneys.
chimp(n) :infml for chimpanzee(=a large African monkey that is smaller than a gorilla.)
keep one’s chin up(v) :(used imperatively)to be happy and keep on trying to succeed esp. in the face of difficulties, worries, etc.
stick one’s chin out(v) :not to accept obeying; to oppose against; to defy.
take sthg/it on the chin(v) :to face sthg (esp. a difficulty, misfortune, etc.) bravely. _After the pre-elections, Mr. Major took his failure on the chin and entered the election.
chinless(adj) :(Br)(a person) weak and full of fear.
a/the chink in sb’s armor(n) :a weakness, fault, defect, etc. in sb’ defence. _Hey, be careful about your doings, the teacher tries to find a chink in your armor.
Chink, Chinky , Chinkie(n) : <slang> <taboo>a Chinese person.
chintz(n) :a familiar conversation; chat.
chintzy(adj) :cheap; appearing to be of low quality.
chinwag(n) :a friendly conversation; chat.
chinwag(v) :to talk (with sb) familiarly.
a chip off the old block(n) :<apprec>a male person that has the same character that his father has.
a chip on one's/the shoulder(n) :(usu. after have/with)a feeling of anger because of being badly treated
cash in one’s chips(v) :(Am)<slang>to die; to pass away.
have had one’s chips(v) :to be likely or about to suffer a defeat, failure, disappointment, etc. _You’re given a blank check to revive the economy but you’ve had your chips , the financial situation is worse than ever now.
when the chips are down :when a very important stage of a situation is reached and an important action or decision must be taken.
chip in (sthg)(v) :1-[with]to break in a conversation abruptly by expressing an opinion; to interrupt. 2-to do one's share of work; to give one's share of money in an activity esp. to buy sb a present. _David’s leaving on Monday. I suggest we all chip in and get him a goingaway present..
in the chips(adj) :wealthy; rich; affluent.
chippy(n) :(Br)<slang>a shop which sells fish and chips.
(as) chirpy/lively/merry as a cricket(adj) :very energetic, happy, lively, etc. _After a holiday in Miami, I feel myself as chirpy as a cricket.
chirpy(adj) :(Br)happy and light-hearted; bright and cheerful.
chisel(v) :[to/out of]<slang>1-to deceive, cheat or trick (sb). 2-to obtain sthg by trickery or by cheating. _He chiseled a digital radio off the old lady.
chiseler-(Am)/chiseller-(Br)(n) :<slang> <rarely used>a person who obtains things by deceit or trickery.
chit(n) :<derog>a rude young woman.
chitchat(n) :an informal talk among friends.
chivy, chivvy sb about/along/up(v) :1-to annoy. 2-to caution sb to do sthg or to hurry esp. in an annoying way. _I was late today, because my wife forgot to chivy up.
chocice(n) :a slab of ice-cream covered with chocolate.
chock-up(adj) :filled up.-I have a room that is --- with posters of fighter planes.
chock-a-block(adj) :[with] completely full; crowded. _The party was --- with egg-heads.
chockful(adj) :entirely full.
choke sb off(v) :to scold sb for doing sthg wrong.; to blame.
choked(adj) :(Br)[up]angry ;annoyed. _Sorry for what I’ve said yesterday, I was quite choked up and I guess I took it out on you.
choky, chokey(n) :(Br)<slang><rarely used>jail; prison.
chomp(v) :to bite and crush with teeth noisily.
choosy(adj) :careful and selective in choosing; fussy.
CHOP(n)
be for the chop(v) :to be about to be fired (from one’s job). _It was very clear that he’d be for the job, because he was quite in bad books with the boss.
get the chop(v) :1-to be fired from one's job. 2-to be brought to an end. _Our vacation plan got the chop, because of financial situation of me.
lick/smack one’s lips/chops(v) :to show eagerness, keenness, or zeal for sthg.
chop(v) :(usu. passive)to stop or reduce. _The financial support was chopped this year, that’s why we’re in great trouble.
chop-chop(interj,adv) :(Br) rapidly, without stopping or delay.
chopper(n) :<slang>a helicopter.
choppers(n) :the irregular and false teeth.
strike a chord(v) :to make sb remember sthg; to recollect or recall. _Her name strikes a chord but I couldn’t remember where I’ve met her.
chow(n) :<slang>food.
christen(v) :(Br) to use as first.
christian(n) :(used by Christians)an admirable and honest person.
christian(adj) : admirable; praise-worthy; honest.
chronic(adj) :(Br)extremely bad. _How was the exam?-,Well it was briefly ---!
chubby(adj) :(of animals or persons)having a round shape; fat.
chuck(v) :1-to get rid of sthg by hand; to throw, toss, pitch. 2-<fig>to throw sb from a place. _The muscular man ---ed them off the cinema because of disturbing the other people. 3-to eliminate; to discard. _We chucked the idea of going holiday after we spent the money we saved.
chuck sb/sthg out(v) :1-[of]to force sb to leave. _The teacher --- ed her out of the class because of talking too much. 2-to get rid of sthg; to throw away.
chuck up(v) :to give up (doing sthg).
give sb/get the chuck(v) :(Br)to dismiss/be dismissed from one's work or a relationship. _You'll get --- if you keep on behaving impudently towards the new boss.
chucker-out(n) :<slang>a person who is employed to throw out unwelcome or unwanted people from (public houses, political meetings, etc.)
chucklehead(n) :stupid person.
chuffed(adj) :very happy.
chum(n) :a brilliant and smart boy in a group; a close friend.
chum up (with)(v) :to be friends (with).
chummy(adj) :[with]sociable; familiar; friendly; intimate.
off one’s chump(adj) :(Br)<slang>(esp. after be/go)1-foolish. _Mark is really off his chump, you can easily deceive him if you want. 2-crazy; mad. _He has the balls to talk disrespectfully to the boss, I sometimes think that guy is quite off one’s chump!
chunk(n) :1-a thick piece of sthg, such as wood, bread or cheese, etc. 2-[of]a great amount of. _I spend a large --- of my wages on buying books.
chunky(adj) :(of a man)having a large chest and appearing to be strong.
churn sthg out(v) :to produce a large amount of sthg in series or as if it's done with the help of a machine. _That writer ---s about four articles every week.
chute(n) :parachute.
chutzpah(n) :(Am)<slang>disreespectful confidence on oneself; nerve; gall.
cinch(n) :1-sthg that is easy to do. _The test was a ---.I expect 100. 2-sthg that is sure or certain to happen _That mayor is a --- to win the upcoming elections. 3-a tight hold or grip.
cinch(v) :to hold tightly or firmly.
cipher, also cypher(v) :to solve a math problem by adding, dividing , etc.
circulate(v) :to move around freely. _The teacher circulate at the exam to look for anybody who cribs.
cissy, sissy(n) :1-(Br)a coward. 2-a man or a boy who acts in a womanlike manner.
civilization(n) :way of life that contains its own comforts and that a person is accustomed to. _After the military training camp, it was good to be back in ---.
civilize(v) :to improve a person/oneself in education and behavior. _Why is he so cheeky?-He has to be civilized!
clack(n) :a continuos talk; chatter.
clack(v) :to talk or converse friendly but much; to chat.
clam up(v) :to stop talking abruptly; to be silent unexpectedly.
clamp down (on)(v) :to put limits; to become restrictive.
clampdown(n) :an official limitation or prevention of doing or saying sthg. _The press is disapproving of the government --- on media.
clan(n) : family; folk.
drop a clanger(v) :(Br)to make a noticeable mistake. _She ---d when she talked about the undone homework.
clap(v) :to put, send quickly. _The mother ---ed the child to his room because he was late for home.
not (ever) clap eyes on sb(v) :to see; to catch sight of. _Hey John, how do you do? I’m looking at you for half an hour, didn’t you ever clap eyes on me?
clapped-out(adj) :(Br)1-(of things)muchly used and worn out. 2-(of a person)extremely tired; weary.
like the clappers(adv) :(Br)very rapidly.
claptrap(n) :empty and meaningless talk; nonsense; rubbish. _What he usually says is just claptrap , so don’t give him a care.
class(n) :(often attribute) style; quality.
classy(adj) :elegant; fashionable.
clean(adj) :1-kind; not rude. _He's famous for his clean jokes. 2-just; fair; evenhanded. _It was just a clean quarrel, so I didn't break in.
(as) clean as a whistle(adj) :free from guilt, doubt, crime or suspicion. _The police searched his desk thoroughly, but it was clean as a whistle.
Mr. Clean(n) :a very admirable and dependable person esp. compared to the other dishonest ones.
clean(adv) :entirely; completely. _I don't know clean about the way she thinks of me.
come clean(v) :to accept one's crime or guilt; to tell the unpleasant truth. _Why don't you come clean and tell where you found this money from.
clean off(v) :(of a person)to leave; to get rid of sthg.
clean out(v) :to leave suddenly; to run away. _You'd better clean out, the police is very behind of you.
clean sb/sthg out(v) :(usu. in passive forms)1-to take all the money of sb. _Last night returning home, I met a fucking thief and what next, I was just cleaned out! 2-to steal everything from a place. _The Johnson’s grocery store was completely cleaned out yesterday. 3-to clean sthg by taking the contents of sthg; to empty.
clean sthg up(v) :1-to finish successfully; to accomplish. 2-to make or gain money as profit.
clean bill of health(n) :favorable advice; suggestion.
Keep the party clean :Don't tell improper or indecent stories with an immoral language.
take sb to the cleaners(v) :to cause sb to lose all one's money ,possessions, etc. esp. by dishonest trick or deal.
CLEAR(adj)
(as) clear as crystal(adj) :easily understood; very clear. _The questions were really as clear as crystal, but the answers were hard to think of.
(as) clear as mud(adj) :unclear; difficult to understand; puzzling; confusing. _The poet’s writings were as clear as mud, that’s why I couldn’t understand any part of them.
the all clear(n) :(esp. after sound/give)a signal, esp. sound which expresses that a dangerous situation is over. _When they sounded the all clear, everybody came out of the places where they hid.
in the clear(adj) :1-doubtless. 2-not dangerous; risky.
clear(v) :to earn more money than expected.
clear the decks(v) :to prepare and get ready esp. before an activity, fight, etc.
clear off(v) :to leave a place in a hurry. _The two boys smoking in the toilet have just clear off when they heard the teacher coming.
clear out (of)(v) :to leave esp. a building or a closed space in a hurry.
clearout(n) :(Br)a complete cleaning and act of tidying. _The charwoman gave a clearout to the office today.
cleavage(n) :space between a woman's breasts, esp. a noticeable one by a low neckline.
clever(adj) :1-(of a device)practical, effective and easy to use. 2-<derog>having a quick mind in a jocular and not serious way. _Stop getting --- with me.
too clever by half(adj) :(Br)too sure of one's intelligence in a way that causes displeasure to people.
clever dick(n) :(Br)a person who annoys people by trying to appear to be clever.
click(v) :[with]1-to be understood; to make sense. _The teacher’s joke finally clicked (with us). 2-to be a success. _His latest novel clicked with the adults only. 3-[with]to suit or fit. _That sock ---ed with your new shoe.
cliffdweller(n) :a person who lives in an apartment in a city.
cliffhanger(n) :a story or contest of which the result is uncertain until the last moment.
climb down(v) :to accept that a person has done sthg wrong or has made a mistake esp. to better a situation; to back off.
climb into/out of(v) :to dress/undress quickly. _The pilots --- their uniforms when they heard the scramble alarm.
social climber(n) :a person who tries to reach a higher social position.
clinch(v) :to settle sthg (esp. a business matter or an agreement) firmly and .
clincher(n) :the last point or fact that is deciding or conclusive in an agreement. _Of all the reasons for me for not accepting the job in that city ,the difficulty in public transportation, is the ---.
clinging wine(n) :a woman who is too dependent on a man. _She's a ---,she never cheats on him.
clip(v) :1-to hit with short, quick blow. _Why did you ---ed him? -He was late again for dinner. 2-to move fast; to belt along. 3-to arrest. 4-to kill or murder sb. _The police is investigating the crazy murderer who clipped sixteen persons in a week. 5-to cheat or trick sb esp. to take sb’s money. _I lost a great deal of money after I began to hang out at the new casino. It really clipped me.
clip(n) :1-a short, and severe blow; smack. _She gave her a clip round the ear. 2-degree;rate. _The athlete ran at a good clip in comparison to the last one. 3-little amount of time; instance.
clip joint(n) :<slang>a kind of public entertainment place ,e.g. a casino, that cheats or overcharges, etc.
clobber(v) :to attack fiercely;<fig>to defeat thoroughly _The Democratic party has been ---ed at the last election.
CLOCK(n)
clock(n) :1-a mileometer ._How many miles is the distance between here and Dallas?-It shows 1300 on the clock. 2-a speedometer. 3-(Br)<slang>one’s face. _He was given a severe and unexpected blow on his clock and fell flat on the floor.
(a)round the clock(adv) :for 24 hours a day. _The surveillance is held around the clock on the base.
(a)round-the-clock(adj) :that continues 24 hours a day. _There are round the clock restaurants in that street, so time’s no problem for us, we can eat whenever we need.
watch the clock(v) :<derog>to consider or ponder continually of how soon the work will end.
clock(v) :to display on a speedometer ,mileometer, etc.
like clockwork(adv) :at regular times; easily; without any problem or trouble. _How is it going with your husband?- Like clockwork!
clod(n) :a silly person.
cloddish(adj) :stupid; fool.
clodhopper(n) :a rude, disgraceful or clumsy person; boor; bumpkin.
clone(n) :a person or thing that appears to be a copy ,or imitation of sthg or sb. _She's just a Madonna ---.
CLOSE(adj)
close about(adj) :unwilling to tell secrets; secretive.
close to home(adj) :(usu. used after be/come/strike)(of a remark, behavior, etc.)expressing or describing sthg which is very senstive for sb. _He’s very sensitive about his bald head, when one of his friends jokes about his head, it comes very close to home.
a close call/shave/thing(n) :a situation in which sthg dangerous or very unpleasant has nearly been about to happen but did not. _It was really a close call, I'd nearly get caught while cheating by the teacher./_I haven’t had an accident up to now yet, but I’ve had a number of close things. Touch wood!
closed book(n) :[to]1-sthg that is very difficult and confusing to understand for sb if which a person has no knowledge about it. _Computers are --- to most people. 2-sthg that a person has finished to do.
closefisted(adj) :ungenerous; unwilling to give money; stingy.
closet(adj) :acting secretly in a way that is not known by the public. _He's a --- racist, but he never seems to be.
clot(n) :(Br)a silly person; fool. _Shut up, you ---!
cast a cloud over(v) :to spoil sthg esp. by bringing about or introducing an unpleasant affair, subject, etc. _I don’t want to cast a cloud over your joy, kids, but it’s almost the time for dinner.
on cloud nine/9(adj) :(Am)<slang> extremely happy and cheerful. _She was on cloud nine, when she heard that she was promoted.
cloud cuckoo land(n) :a state of unreal, imaginary affairs. _He’s been living in a cloud cuckoo land, and he has an imaginary friend called Bogus. Shortly, he has created his own world.
clout(n) :1-(Br)fist; blow given by hand. 2-(Am)capability or power to impress or influence sb esp. political power.
clout(v) :to beat or strike with the hand forcefully; fist.
live in clover(v) :to live in comfort, having no trouble and much money; to live like pigs. _After his wealthy husband had passed away, she started to live in clover.
in the club(adj) :(Br)pregnant; having a bun in the oven.
join the club!, also welcome to the club!(interj) :I am/We are also in an unpleasant and unfortunate situation as you are! _I have only a day before the exam, but I haven’t started studying yet. -Join the club!, I haven’t as well and I am awfully anxious about it.
not have a clue(v) :not to know or understand anything. _Do you know exact time of the vacation? -I do ----!.
clue sb in/up(v) :[about/on]to make sb or oneself know about the recent facts, news, etc.; to make sb or oneself have much knowledge about sthg.
clued up(adj) :having lots of knowledge (about sthg); well-informed; expert.
clueless(adj) :1-incapable; incompetent. 2-(Br)lacking in sense; silly.
clutch(n) :a tough situation or difficult circumstance.
carry/take coals to Newcastle(v) :to do sthg unnecessary, esp. to take or lead goods, articles to a place where there are already much or plentiful. _It’s like carrying coals to Newcastle to appoint a new teacher here, there are already one for every class.
haul sb over the coals(v) :to talk sb angrily for doing sthg wrong; to reprimand or scold. _The teacher hauled him over the coals for cheating at the exam.
the coast is clear :There is no danger anymore.
trail one’s coat(v) :<rarely used>to try to cause an argument, quarrel, etc. (with sb). _She was trailing her coat by keeping or on criticizing him severely.
on sb’s coat tails(adv) :(esp. after ride/hang, etc.)by the help of sb who is admirable, powerful or influential. _He was chosen the deputy director by riding on Mr. Harvard’s tails, Mr. Harvard’s the apple of the director’s eye.
cobber(n) :a friend; fellow.
blow the cobwebs away(v) :to make oneself feel more active or energetic by the help of fresh air and exercise. _I suggest that you just go for a walk in order to blow the cobwebs away after a whole day studying.
COCK(n)
cock(n) :(Br)<slang>meaningless talk, writing, etc.; nonsense; rubbish.
cock of the walk :<derog>a person who is (or thinks he is)the most powerful or influential in a group.
go off at half cock(v) :to become very angry or quarrelsome. _The teacher went off at half cock and scolded me after Susan replied her back disrespectfully.
live like fighting cocks(v) :(Br)to live in comfort, esp. eating tasteful, luscious food.
COCK(v)
Phrasal Verbs
cock up(v) :(Br)<slang>to spoil to sthg; bungle. _Do you always have to cock up our plans, Tom, don’t interfere this time, all right?
Idioms
cock a snook (at)(v) :(Br)to show a clear disrespect (for); to behave in a rude way.
cock-a-hoop(adj) :1-[about/at]happy and glad. 2-messy;in disorder.
a cock-and-bull-story(n) :a meaningless, improbable, foolish story told as if it had happened.
knock/beat sb/sthg into a cocked hat(v) :to beat or defeat sb or ruin sthg thoroughly; to be of much more skill, quality, etc. _This dictionary knocks the others into a cocked hat.
cockeyed(adj) :unjust; crooked.
cockroach, also roach(n) :a black bug lives in old and dirty houses.
cocksure(adj) :too sure of oneself; self-confident; cocky.
cock-up(n) :(Br)1-a complete disorder ;a confused state. 2-<slang>a mistake or sthg (esp. a work) that is badly done.
cocky(adj) :<derog>too self-confident; pert; conceited.
I should cocoa! :<humor><rarely used>(expresses a complete disagreement)Definitely not! _Will you help me study biology after the school today, Tommy? -I should cocoa!, Mary, I’m sorry, but I’ll go get some rest. (This phrase is not recommended for use by foreign students)
cod(n) :(Br)<slang>nonsense; rubbish.
cod(v) :to cheat; trick; to fool; to hoax.
codger(n) :strange, impatient old man(esp. used ,in the phrase old codger)
codswallop(n) :(Br)<slang>nonsense; rubbish.
coed(n) :(Am)(a female student in a co-educational college), university in which there are both sexes.
cog(n) :a person who has a small but significant part in an organization.
##pay sb back in their own coin(v) :to behave sb in the same bad way that he/she treated others.
coin it/money(v) :[in]to earn lots of money in a very short time.
coke(n) :a drug used illegally for taking pleasure; cocaine.
cold(adj) :1-unconscious ,esp. because of a severe blow taken on the head. 2-far from the person or thing that is sought in child games.
(as) cold as charity(adj) :1-(of the weather) excessively cold. 2-(of a person)very distant in manner; aloof.
cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey(adj) :<impolite>(of the weather) extremely cold; freezing.
leave sb cold(v) :to fail to impress or cause an effect on sb. _The lecturer’s speech left us cold , so most of us left the conference room before than it ended.
cold(adv) :1-entirely. 2-without preparation.
out in the cold(adj) :not included.
cold-blooded(adj) :very sensitive to cold.
cold feet(n) :loss of bravery and confidence esp. just before doing sthg that is formerly planned.(esp. in the phrase get/have cold feet.)
get/give sb the cold shoulder(v) :to treat/be treated in an unfriendly, or quarrelsome manner.
collar(v) :to seize sb; to catch and hold sb. _The gardener --- ed the kids who were picking out some flowers.
feel sb’s collar(v) :<slang>(of a policeman)to arrest a criminal.
hot under the collar(adj) :very anxious, excited, angry, etc.
colly-wobbles(n) :stomachache; little feeling of fear (esp. with the sickness and desire to vomit(=to throw up the contents of the stomach from the mouth.)
be/feel/look off color(v) :to be/seem sick, not healthy or sad.
sail under false colors(v) :to behave or act pretentiously esp. by showing a false, character, different from one’s own way of behaving. _At the first lesson, he was very cheerful and calm towards us, but later we understood that he was sailing under false colors.
##see the color of sb's money(v) :to see in order to understand if sb has money to pay(his debt, etc.)or not.
colossal(adj) :of a surprising degree. _The mayor's victory in election was a colossal success.
dodge the column(v) :<rarely used>to avoid doing one’s work, assignment, duty, etc.
coma(n) :a state in which one can't use his senses ;a state of mental lack of desire to act in any way.
comatose(adj) :inactive and slow; torpid.
comb out sb/sthg (from)(v) :1-to find and throw out (unnecessary people or things.) 2-to get rid of (twits or knots) from hair by combing.
combo(n) :a small band or group of musicians who plays jazz or dance music.
COME(v)
Phrasal Verbs
come(v) :1-to happen to by chance. _How'd you come to see me crying. 2-to be present; exist. 3-to reach orgasm; to ejaculate. _Hey baby, you’re too fast, I couldn’t have time to come. 4-to act as; to play the role of. (esp. in the phrase don't come the .... )(=don't pretend to be ....) _Don’t come the honest dealer with me guy. I know how trickster you are! 5-(in informal usage) _I'm coming twenty(=I'm in the twentieth year)./_three months come Christmas(=three months from now to Christmas)./_She'll be 19 come June(=in June).
come across(v) :to influence effectively.
come at sb/sthg(v) :to be successful to understand sb.
come back (at)(v) :to answer sb back rudely.
come down(v) :to give or pay money. _His daddy is very stingy, whenever he wants money, he never comes down!
come down on/upon(v) :to talk angrily to sb; to scold severely; to rebuke.
come down with(v) :1-(no passive)to catch a sickness; to catch an infection; to become ill with. 2-to chip in; to contribute. _He --- $100 for the picnic.
come in on sthg(v) :(no passive)to participate; join; to take part in.
come on(v) :1-to begin; commence. 2-(used imperatively)Hurry up!
come out in sthg(v) :(no passive)to have marks caused by an illness on particular parts of the body. _I've --- in spots.
come it over/with(v) :to behave arrogantly as one think he/she is better than (sb). _Just because he has higher grades than the others in the class, he always comes it over us when the subject is intellligence.
come up(v) :to earn money in a lottery. _My lottery ticket came up this weekend, I won $1000.
come up with(v) :(no passive)to consider (on a problem, plan or answer, etc.);to find an answer to.
Idioms
Come again?(interj) :<humor>(used to ask for a surprising remark to be repeated) What did you say?; Would you repeat it again?
Come along!, also Come on now! :Hurry up!
come a cropper(v) :to have a failure; to fail (esp. in an exam)
come into a fortune(v) :to inherit(=to receive money, property ,etc. left by sb who has died.)
Come off it! :(used imperatively)Stop lying! Don’t try to deceive me! _Come off it now! and just tell me the person who has stolen the jewelry.
come to a pretty pass(v) :to face a difficult situation.
come to the wrong shop(v) :to go a wrong place or to ask a to a wrong person (for help, information, etc.)
come to that(adv) :(used when a person wants to add one's opinions on a subject)Frankly; truly; in fact. _I haven’t started to study math yet, come to that, I haven’t started any of them yet!
come to think of it(v) :(used when a person wants to add one's opinion that a person has just considered.)When a person begins to think that.
come unstuck(v) :to face or suffer an unexpected and unpleasant difficulty or disappointment.
How come? :Why; Why is it that? _How come you didn’t come the party Tom?, it was great.
have sthg/it coming to one(v) :to be about to have (trouble, punishment, or a reward, etc. that sb deserves to) _After 15 year working like a beaver at the office, she was given a reward, she’s always had it coming to her.
comeback(n) :a quick and clever answer; a retort.
come-on(n) :1-an attraction to persuade or convince people to buy stated goods. 2-sexual attraction so as to entice (a man); seduction. _Susan is really attractive , that’s why men are deceived by her come-on.
comedian(n) :a jocular and amusing person.
##comedown(n) :a loss in importance, popularity or respect.
comer(n) :a person who has a great capacity or potential to succeed. _Who got the highest grade at the exam?- Paul did!, he's the only --- in our class.
come-up-pance(n) :a punishment that a person deserves.
come-hitter(adj) :sexually attractive. _"Did you see her --- look over me", he exclaimed excitedly.
comfortable(adj) :not having pain, anxiety, etc. _I was very comfortable after the exam.
comfy(adj) :infml for comfortable.
comic(n) :a jocular person esp. a professional comedian. John is the --- in our group, who the one in your group is?
coming-out(n) :a person’s (esp. a singer’s, artist’s, etc.) formal appearance in the public as the first time. _The singer made her coming-out at the Grand Hotel's Saloon.
comings and goings(n) :acts of arrival or departure. _I sat watching the --- of the people to the cinema.
common(adj) :(of persons and their behaviors) rude; ill-bred; uncivilized; vulgar. _Why do you talk with a --- accent.
(as) common as dirt/muck(adj) :<derog>(of a person, esp. a woman)behaving in a rough and impolite way.
common-or-garden(adj) :not usual, ordinary; common. _He lives in a --- house, although he's very healthy.
commute(n) :a usual business trip.
compare notes(v) :[with]to converse about each other's experiences and ideas about sthg. _I’d like to compare notes with a person who has had a stomach surgery before.
complex(n) :an unreasonable worry or trouble; obsession. _I have a --- about my hair.
con(n) :1-infml for confidence trick(=a trick which is held or intended to get money from.) 2-<slang>a convict (=a prisoner who serves a long-term prison sentence)
con man(n) :a person who tricks, deceives, or cheats others; a trickster.
con sb (into doing sthg)(v) :to deceive sb after winning his confidence; to convince sb to do sthg in that way; to cajole.
concerted(adj) :very effective, hard and strong.(usually used in the phrase a --- effort)_We all had a ---- effort to finish the report in two days.
condition(n) :illness; disease. _He had a heart ---.
confab(n) :an informal talk ;chat.
confab(v) :to talk informally with friends; to chat.
Confound it/him/them, etc. :<rarely used> Damn it!
con game(n) :confidence game; confidence trick (=a trick or an act of deceiving that is held to get money from.)
Congratulations(interj) :an expression of admire or appreciate for a person's luck, success, or good fortune, etc. _---!,Mr. Murphy, you are the only one that deserved to be honored in that class.
conk(n) :(a hit or blow on)the nose.
conk(v) :1-to hit or punch sb esp. on one’s nose. 2-to faint (out).
conk out(v) :(of a machine)to fail or to be about to fail.
conniption(n) :a state of uncontrollable anger, nervousness; hysteria; rage.
in all conscience(adv) :doubtlessly, certainly, surely. _I can't --- agree on that subject with you.
considering(adv) :(only used at the end of sthg)keeping in mind all the things that are thought of. _He seems very --- after last night.
contact(v) :to make a communication with. _Please --- me before I leave; I want to talk to you.
contact(n) :1-a helping connection with sb. _I've got a --- in the jury; we may get use of him. 2-also contact lens: a very minute lens that is fit closely over the eye in order to color the eye or to power the eye sight.
not worth a continental(adj) :having no value; worthless.
contingent(n) :a group that is a part of a larger one.
contraption(n) :an unusual device that is noticeably strange in appearance.
coo(interj) :(Br)(an expression of surprise)
COOK(v)
cook(v) :1-to change(records, numbers, facts, etc.)dishonestly in a way that will be beneficial for a person; falsify. 2-to be prepared. _How long have you ---ed for the test? 3-to happen. _Guys, what the hell is cooking here?
Phrasal Verbs
cook sthg up(v) :to make up (an excuse); to concoct; to improvise.
Idioms
cook the books/accounts(v) :to change the entries, numbers, records, etc. dishonestly esp. for one’s gain.
cook one's goose(v) :to spoil one's chances.
what’s cooking? :what’s happening?; what’s going on?
cook-out(n) :a meal that is cooked or eaten in a restaurant or anywhere else except the house.
cookie, cooky(n) :a male person. _He's a lucky ---!
that’s the way/that’s how the cookie crumbles :<humor>(used when an unfortunate or unpleasant event happens, and when one can’t have anything to do.) That’s how things are, and we can’t avoid them. (also that’s the way/that’s how it goes.)
cool(adj) :(used to emphasize an expression, esp. a large amount of money in an unexaggerated way.) _He won a --- half million dollars from the lottery.
cool(adv) :calmly; in an easy manner. _He always behaves cool.
cool(n) :calmness; control over one's feelings; composure.
keep/lose one's cool(v) :to keep/lose one's self-control or restraint, etc. (also blow one’s cool<slang>)
play it cool(v) :to calm down; to deal calmly with a situation.
cool it(v) :<slang>(used imperatively)1-Be quiet; Don't worry! 2-Stop moving, talking, etc.
cool/kick one's heels(v) :to waste time idly, esp. when waiting for sb. _I had to cool my heels for almost three hours, in order to talk to the manager.
cooler(n) :<slang>a prison cell or prison.
coon(n) :infml for raccoon(=a small meat-eating animal with a long tail.)
coot(n) :<slang>a foolish person.; fool.
cop(n) :infml for copper(=policeman)
a/the cop shop(n) :<humor>a police station.
not be much cop(v) :to be fairly bad; to be a bit unattractive, foolish, etc. _After the accident, she wasn’t much cop with the injury on her face.
cop(v) :(Br)<slang>to capture or arrest.
cop it(v) :1-(Br)<slang>to be in great difficulty or trouble; to be punished or reprimanded. 2-to die.
cop out(v) :[of/on]<derog>to avoid taking the responsibility of making a tough decision.
copper(n) :(Br)a money denomination of coin of a low value that is made of copper or bronze. _Sb stole my wallet, I have a few ---s in my pocket.
copper-bottomed(adj) :completely safe; having no risk. _a --- investment.
copter(n) :infml for helicopter; chopper; whirly bird.
carbon copy(n) :(used usu. after play)sb or sthg that is very much like another one.
blot one’s copybook(v) :to behave in a way that one spoils one’s good fame or reputation in public, as people change their opinions about him/her, etc. _He blotted his copybook because of him tactless remarks at the party.
copycat(n) :<derog>a person who always copies or imitates other people's behaviors, works, dress, etc.
cork sthg up(v) :to prevent (esp. feelings) to express; suppress.
corker(n) :<rarely used>an extremely interesting and noticeable person or thing.
cut corners(v) :to do sthg in an easy, practical or careless way esp. by disregarding the orders, rules, etc. _Guys, this is my first day here as your boss. I want to point out that I want strict obedience on the rules, so no cutting corners, you see!
corner(v) :to turn at a corner. _I can't still --- with my bicycle.
corny(adj) :(of a joke, film, play, etc.)that is too often performed or is too common; hackneyed.
corporation(n) :a very fat and large belly.
cos(conj) :because.
cosh(n) :(Br)a short and heavy metal pipe, rubber tube or a stick used to hit sb.
cosh(v) :to hit sb with a cosh and esp. on the head.
at all costs(adv) :without failing. _We must at all costs catch the 7:30 train, otherwise we won’t get to the meeting on time.
cost(v) :to have much price; to require great expense. _That machine really ---s!
wrap/keep sb/sthg in cotton wool(v) :to treat sb or sthg very well, carefully, etc. _The committee members wrapped the new project in cotton wool, it’ll probably take the biscuit.
cotton on/onto(v) :(Br)to understand; comprehend.
cotton-picking(adj) :(used to emphasize an expression of annoyance.)_I've got bored with that ---- work.
cough up(v) :to give(money or information) unwillingly.
be out for the count(v) :to be unconscious or sleeping very deeply. _At last, the lecturer had to wake him up, he was quite out for the count.
count sb in(v) :to make sb be involved in an activity; to include sb.
count sb/sthg out(v) :to omit; not to include.
a/sb’s country cousin(n) :<humor>a person who has lived in village, has rough manners and not accustomed to city life.
couple(n) :[of]a few(of);small amount(of).
course(adv) :of course.
cove(n) :(Br)<slang>a male person; guy; fellow.
cover up for sb(v) :to avoid telling or expressing the truth in order to save a person from punishment, blow, etc.
sacred cow(n) :sthg to be regarded with great respect. _The latest study on economics is still a sacred cow, no questions are held about it since then.
till the cows come home(adv) :endlessly; forever; for an indefinite period of time. _She likes to watch cartoons very much, she can sit before the TV and watch it till the cows come home.
cowboy(n) :a businessman or tradesman who deals with a dishonest work.
cowpoke(n) :a cowboy.
cowpuncher(n) :a cowboy.
crab(v) :1-to find fault; complain continually and annoyingly; gripe; carp; grumble; grouse. _I hate to look after my aunt’s son when she’s out, he keeps crabbing and never stops. 2-to spoil; ruin; mess up.
crab ladder(n) :<slang>the hair that grows on one’s pubic area; pubic hair.
crabby(adj) :easily made angry; bad-tempered; cross.
CRACK(v)
crack(v) :1-to say sthg ridiculous; to make a joke. 2-to open (a bottle) for drinking. 3-to beat; hit. _He cracked her on the nose. 4-to try to find a solution for sthg, a problem, puzzling situation, etc.; to puzzle. _Yes, guys, till Monday, I want one of you crack this financial problem or else you’ll all be fired! 5-to fail (to do sthg). _How was your exam, George? -Probably I’ll crack Tom, I couldn’t have studied.
Phrasal Verbs
crack up(v) :1-to wreck or destroy. 2-(Am)<slang>to have a mental or physical failure; to go mad or insane. _After she had her fifth son, she was almost going to crack up, then her mother came to help her. 3-to praise; to speak with admiration. _The people crack up over his jokes. 4-to laugh deeply so as not to be controlled. 5-to have an accident.
crack down on sb/sthg(v) :to take precautions against; to take disciplinary actions against. _Nowadays, because of the rise in the number of accidents, the police severely crack down on the traffic offenders.
Idioms
not be all it/he/she/they, etc. is cracked up to be(v) :not to be as good as people believe, claim, or think to be. _His songs weren’t all they were cracked up to be.
get cracking/weaving!(v) :(Br)1-(used imperatively)to start (studying or working hard at). 2-to leave in a hurry.
not to crack a book(v) :not to study (for an exam, etc. ) at all. _Tomorrow’s quiz is quite easy for me, I don’t even have to crack a book.
crack(n) :(Am)<slang>a clever and witty statement, remark or reply; quip. _I have great pleasure in talking to Mike, he has quite good cracks, he makes me laugh and think at the same time.
get/have a crack at(v) :to try to do sthg difficult. _I know, you’re really exhausted, but please have a crack at my report, I awfully need your help. (also have a go/have a bash at)
a fair crack of the whip(n) :(Br)a fair and even chance of doing sthg.
crack(adj) :very good; excellent.
cracked(adj) :seriously mad; crazy.
cracker(n) :poor people living in the Southeastern U.S. esp. rural areas of Georgia and Florida.
cracker factory(n) :(Am)<slang>hospital for insane people; lunatic house.
crackers(adj) :(Br)<slang>(of a person) crazy; mad.
cracking(adj) :(Am)<slang>wonderful; very well; perfect. _The party was held by the help of a cracking organization, that’s why we have to congratulate Mr. Gump.
cracklings(n) :crisp remainings that are left after food has been produced from hog's (=pig's) fat.
crackpot(n) :<humor>a person that has very interesting, crazy and strange ideas, likes, etc. _Martin is quite a crackpot about surfing in Internet.
cracksman(n) :a person who breaks into a house to steal; a burglar.
crack-up(n) :mental or physical failure.
cram(v) :to make a person study or to study for an exam esp. too quickly and hardly for a short time.
crammer(n) :(Br)<rarely used>a special school, teacher or source as a book that prepares the students for exams in a very short time.
cramp sb's style(v) :to avoid or prevent sb from showing his skill to the full.
crank(n) :1-<humor>crackpot; a person that has lots of strange and unusual ideas, likes, etc. 2-a quarrelsome and carping person; grouch.
cranky(adj) :1-extremely strange; unusual; eccentric. _a cranky old crippled soldier. 2-(of a machine) not working regularly ;needing to be repaired.
crap(n) :1-bullshit; rubbish; nonsense; meaningless talk.(esp. in the phrase a load of (old) crap.) _His talk was really a load of old crap! 2-junk; unwanted articles. _Get rid of all these craps from my desk.
crap out(v) :to use up all energy; to come to an end; to fail.
crappy(adj) :<slang>of very little or inferior quality. _ a crappy sort of job.
crash(v) :1-infml for gatecrash(=to enter a party, theater, or a meeting without being invited or paying the price. 2-<slang>to spend the night sleeping in(esp. a makeshift place) _I’m looking for a place to crash now, I’m awfully tired, and I don’t have some money to stay in a hotel.
crashing(adj) :(of sthg bad)total; extreme(esp. in the phrase a --- bore .)
crate(n) :<rarely used>an extremely old car or plane.
crawl to sb(v) :to try to win the favor or approval of sb by being too kind to them ;flatter. _The sergeant took leave by ---ing to the captain.
crawly(adj) :feeling an unpleasant sensation of sthg crawling over one's skin.
crazy(adj) :1-silly,mad,foolish. 2-[about] wildly enthusiastic, extremely excited. _I'm crazy about blondes.
like crazy(adv) :very (much); to an extreme degree. _The party members started to work like crazy for the campaign, there is only a month before the election.
cream(v) :(Am)1-to defeat or overcome thoroughly. _The Bulls creamed their rivals as expected. 2-<slang>to ejaculate. _I was nearly going to cream while watching her sexy dance in front of me.
be up the creek (without a paddle)(v) : (Am)to be in a difficult situation; to be in trouble. _I’ll be up the creek without a paddle if I can’t pay my bills this month. (also be up shit creek<slang> <taboo>)
get/give sb the creeps (v) :to cause/to have the feeling of fear, dislike, etc. _It gives me the creeps to see a dead person. (also make one’s flesh creep)
creepy(adj) :feeling an unpleasant sensation of scare.
crescendo(n) :the degree of greatest excitement.
cretin(n) :a very silly foolish person.
crew(n) :a group of people working together.
crib(n) :1-a quotation of one's words or ideas without permission. 2-literal translation of a passage in another language esp. dishonestly by students. 3-illegal help, as notes, used dishonestly by students during examinations.
crib(v) :1-to use illegal help. _He could never become the head, if he didn’t crib. 2-to plagiarize or quote a person's ideas without his own knowledge. 3-to steal; to take without permission. _The savage brat cribbed my wallet. 4-[off]to copy (sthg) from another person dishonestly or illegally. _He cribbed the words off me ,since he didn't ever study.
cricket(n) :favorable good sportsmanship; fair play.
not cricket(adj) :unfair; not good in the aspect of sportsmanship.
crikey(interj) :an expression of surprise.
crime(n) :regrettable behavior; shame; pity. _It's a crime not to swim when the water is this calm now.
crimple(v) :to form into folds, or tires ;curl; crumple; wrinkle.
by the cringe(interj) :<slang><humor>(used to express surprise, unluckiness, annoyance, etc. )Oh God; For God’s sake. _By the cringe, it’s just started to rain, that’s to say that the match is delayed.
crispy(adj) :1-dry and easily gets out of shape._ cripsy pastry. 2-fresh as if it has just been made or grown ._crispy apples.
critter(n) :(Am)<slang>any creature.
croak(v) :<slang>1-to die or be killed. _he croaked three hours after the accident, if somebody had made hell of a medical help, he would be alive now! 2-to kill or murder (sb).
crock(n) :a very old horse that cannot be used any longer. 2-an old and weak person who cannot work because of bad health ,weakness, etc. 3-(Br)an old car.
crocodile tears(n) :show of pretentious sadness; insincere tears. _His relatives were crying crocodile tears at his funeral, they were planning what to do with the inheritance they’d have.
crony(n) :<derog> companion or friend esp. of a high position of power. _The teacher always gives presents to her ---ies.
crook(n) :a dishonest and untrustworthy person; thief; trickster.
crook(adj) :1-unhealthy; ill. 2-(of things)bad; unpleasant.
crooked(adj) :not trusted; dishonest.
crop up(v) :to happen or come out suddenly and unexpectedly.
cropper(n) :1-a tough fall, i.e. from a horse. _I took a --- into the pool when she suddenly pushed. 2-a failure in a work; collapse.
come a cropper(v) :1-to fall heavily (e.g. from a horse). 2-to have a failure in (one’s work, exam, plans, etc.) 3-to feel oneself bad.
cross(adj) :easily gets angry; bad-tempered.
cross my heart (and hope to die) :(used when making a promise in order to express confidence) _Don't worry, I'll come to your party, cross my heart!
cross-grained(adj) : liking to argue; easily gets angry.
as cross as two sticks(adj) : <rarely used> very angry, extremely bad-tempered.
crosspatch(n) :an angry, bad-tempered person; a cross person; grouch.
cross-talk(n) :1-sudden exchange of comments i.e. by comedians in a comedy show. 2-talk in difficulties when there is so much interruption e.g. by crossed telephone lines.
crotchety(adj) :(esp. of an old person)argumentative; angry; bad-tempered.
crow(v) :[about/over]<derog> to talk proudly esp. when taking pleasure from sb else's failure, mistake or misfortune.
as the crow flies(adv) :if you travel in a straight line. _How far is it to Birmingham? -About five miles, as the crow flies, actually!
eat crow(v) :(Am)to be forced to humble or make oneself lower in position by accepting one's mistake.
Stone the crows!(interj) :<rarely used><humor>(an expression of surprise, annoyance, disbelief, etc. ) _Stone the crows!, it’s quite cold in here!.
crowd(v) :(Br)to apply pressure on (sb) and threat.
crowded(adj) :completely full; compact; closely packed.
crown(v) :to beat or hit sb on the head. _The old lady crowned the wicked guy with her umbrella.
crumb(n) :(Am)<slang>a worthless or dishonest person.
crumby(adj) :<slang>of very low quality; worthless. _a crumby idea.
crummy(adj) :<slang>of very low quality; worthless. _a crummy novel.
crumpet(n) :<slang>1-(Br)women (regarded as sexual objects) _Who’s that woman at the bar? -She’s Martha, a nice piece of crumpet, huh? 2-a woman’s vagina.
crunch(n) :an important moment that a decision should be made.(esp. used in the phrase when/if it comes to the crunch = when/if the crunch comes(=when the decision time is just arrived)) _I and Mary don’t think of having a child now, but when it comes to the crunch, we may!
crush(n) :a social meeting.
crush(n) :[on]an intense but short-lasting love or interest for sb; infatuation.(esp. in the phrase have a crush on)_I had a crush on my math teacher when I was in secondary school.
off one’s crust(adj) :<slang><rarely used>mad; crazy; insane. (also off one’s head/rocker/chump/nut)
a far cry from(adj) : (esp. after be/seem) sthg very much different from. _The education seems a far cry from the one ten years ago, technology changes the world.
crybaby(n) : a person who cries very easily and frequently. _I sometimes hate you little Johnny, you’re like a crybaby and I hate crybabies!
cry blue murder(v) :to yell loudly and worriedly.
cry for the moon(v) :to wish or want sthg that is impossible to occur.
for crying out loud(interj) :(used to add power to a request, suggestion, question, etc.)for god’s sake. _Foe crying out loud, don’t ever worry about your studies, I’m always ready to help you. 2-(used to express annoyance) _Will you shut that radio, for crying out loud!
crying(adj) :(of sthg bad)that requires urgent attention. _The increase of air pollution in Ýstanbul is a --- shame.
cuckoo(n) :<slang>a stupid person.
cuckoo(adj) :stupid; mad; crazy.
cucumber(n) :(Am)<slang>the penis. _Martin always talks arrogantly about his big cucumber.
(as) cool as cucumber(adj) :(of a person)not anxious or worried; very calm (esp. in a difficult or troublesome situation) _She was really cool as cucumber when she was about to flunk math, she studied it hard and easy and passed.
off the cuff(adv) :unexpectedly; with no preparation; spontaneously. inadvertently.
play it off the cuff(v) :to use one's ability to say things in a natural way or one's intelligence in a situation that a person is unprepared.
cuffs(n) :informal for handcuffs(=a pair of metal fastener that enables the criminal to use his/her hands.
cunning(adj) :(Am)<rarely used>charming; cute. _What a --- little boy!
cunt(n) :<slang><taboo>1-vagina. 2-(Am)a very stupid or nasty person.
not be sb’s cup of tea(n) :not to be what sb likes; not to be what fits sb.
in one’s cups(adj) :<rarely used>drunk.
cupboard love(n) :a pretentious or false love shown in order to gain sthg. _It’s no use asking Martin for some money, he won’t give you, his is just a cupboard love, you know.
cuppa(n) :(Br)a cup of tea. _I’d like a cuppa, please.
curmudgeon(n) :an angry, ungenerous and miserly person.
curn one's lip(v) :to behave disrespectfully against.
curse(n) :<slang><euph>menstruation. _Today, she’s got the curse, so she can’t go to swimming.
curvaceous, curvacious(adj) :(often humor)(of a woman)having an attractively well-developed figure with noticeable and beautiful curves.
cushy(adj) :(of a job, life style, etc.)not demanding; easy; needing little effort.
cuss(v) :to swear (at);to talk roughly and rudely against; curse.
cuss(n) :1-a person esp. of the stated kind. _a fussy old cuss. 2-curse.
cussed(adj) :1-cursed; damned. 2-stubborn; obstinate.; persistent; unyielding.
customer(n) :a person that is hard to cope with.(often used in the phrase ugly customer.)
cut(n) :1-a commission or percentage as of profit; share. 2-absence (esp. without permission) from school, class, lecture, etc. _All students are permitted four cuts per semester.
the cut of sb's jib(n) :sb's behaviors or appearance.
a cut above(adj) :(after be)better than (sb or sthg); higher quality than. _I’m a cut above than any of you in Geman.
CUT(v)
cut(v) :1-to prepare a record in which there is information about the past affairs. 2-to be absent from school, class, etc. esp. without any permission. 3-not to pay attention or to behave so as not to recognize or be acquainted with; snub. 4-to stop (doing sthg). _Cut that noise!.
Phrasal Verbs
cut in(v) :[on]1-to interrupt a person while he's talking. 2-to drive into a space between cars in a dangerous and careless way.
cut sb in(v) :to include sb in a profitable course of business of which the result is uncertain. _If you contribute $200,we'll cut you in.
cut sthg out(v) :to stop doing; leave out.
cut it/that out(v) :<impolite>(used imperatively)stop doing sthg (esp. a harmful activity such as fighting, quarreling, making noise, etc.)
cut sb/sthg up(v) :1-to cause a person to suffer; to sadden. _His wife really --- when her husband in an accident. 2-to behave in a rough and bad manner.
cut up (for)(v) :to be worthy of.
Idioms
cut up rough/nasty(v) :to become extremely angry.
cut it fine/close(v) :to leave oneself the minimum degree of time, money, etc. to do what is needed. _He --- by spending all his money a day before salary.
cut no ice(v) :to have almost no influence; to fail to impress. _His excuse cut no ice with the teacher.
cut and run(v) :(Am)<slang>to run away; to flee. _They cut and run when thet heard sb coming near.
cut sb down the size(v) :to show sb less important than as much as known or expected.
cut out (the) dead wood(v) :to eliminate the unnecessary and helpless parts. _There are lots of --- to be cut out in order to revive the economy.
have one's work cut out(for one)(v) :to have lots of work to do.
cute(adj) :(Am)1-charming; attractive; pleasing; nice. 2-wise; clever in judgment. 3-rude; bold; flippant; unpleasant; nasty.
cutie(n) :sb or sthg that is extremely cute.
cut-up(n) :(Am)a person who always behaves pretentiously, or plays tricks. _Tom is just a nice cut-up, he always plays tricks on people.
cut-up(adj) :very sad or unhappy, esp. because of an unexpected misfortune; grieved. _I was quite cut-up when I heard that I flunked biology.
