thingthing /θɪŋ/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
People say things they don’t mean when they are angry. It was a horrible thing to happen. I plan to do all the things I’ve been meaning to do for ages. The first thing to do is to give them food and shelter. That’s a terrible thing to say.do the right/decent/honourable etc thing I kept wondering if I was doing the right thing.this/that/what sort of thing A priest has to arrange funerals, marriages, that sort of thing. Getting more American ideas into British business would be a good thing. ‘I did no such thing,’ he protested. I know a thing or two (=a lot) about dogs. In a democracy, it is no bad thing to be able to compromise (=it is good, even though it may not seem good).2object [countable] an object that you are talking about without saying its name, or whose name you do not know: What’s that red thing? I’ll just switch this thing off. There was a round metal thing on the path.... and things (=and other similar things) The shed is where we keep our tools and things.3clothes/possessions things [plural] especially British English clothes and possessions SYN stuff American Englishsomebody’s things Jim began to unpack his things. I want to sell some of my things, but they aren’t worth much.4equipment things [plural] especially British English the tools, equipment, clothes etc that you need for a particular job, sport etc SYN stuff American Englishsomebody’s writing/school/Christmas etc things I left my swimming things at home. the shed where he kept his gardening things5situation things [plural] life in general and the way it is affecting people: By the end of 1942, things were starting to change. Things could be worse. As things turned out, we didn’t have much time. How are things with you, Sarah?make things easy/difficult/hard She would get angry quickly, which made things difficult for me. We can’t change the way things are.6nothing [singular, uncountable] used as part of a negative statement to mean ‘anything’not a thing I couldn’t find a thing that I wanted to buy. He took his glasses off and couldn’t see a thing. Don’t worry about a thing. There’s no such thing as ghosts (=they do not exist).7person/animal [countable] used to talk to or about a person or animal, when you are describing what they are like or showing sympathy for them: The baby is a nice little thing when he’s not screaming. She was terribly upset, poor thing.8make a comment [countable usually singular] used to say something about a particular part of a situation, person etcthing about The thing about teaching is that it takes more time to prepare than most people realize.the funny/strange/best etc thing The funny thing is, I really enjoyed it, even though I hadn’t expected to. It’s a good thing you saw her before she saw you.9the thing is spoken used when you are going to explain something, give the reason for something, or give an opinion: ‘It sounds like a good idea. Why don’t you invest?’ ‘Well, the thing is, I can’t afford to.’the thing is that The thing is that you can’t always judge your own work.10the last thing somebody wants/expects/needs etc something that someone does not want, expect etc at all: The last thing I want is to upset him. The last thing I should have done was let her move into my house.11last thing British English at the end of a day, afternoon, evening etc: She likes a hot bath last thing at night.12first thing at the beginning of a day, morning, afternoon etc: Jean liked to go for a swim first thing in the morning.13among other things used when you are giving one fact, reason, effect etc but want to suggest that there are many others: The substance is used in the manufacture of cosmetics and drugs, among other things.14for one thing used to give one reason for something: Well, for one thing, it’s too big. He’s not that wonderful. He’s bad-tempered for one thing.15be a thing of the past to no longer exist or happen: Before AIDS, many health care experts believed that large-scale infectious diseases were a thing of the past.16it’s a good thing (that) spoken used to say that it is lucky or good that something has happened: It’s a good thing we brought some food with us.17something is just one of those things used to say that something unpleasant or unlucky cannot be prevented: It wasn’t really the driver’s fault; it was just one of those things.18the thing about/with somebody/something used to say what the problem with someone or something is: The thing about talk shows is that you never know how they will turn out.19all (other) things being equal used to say that something is true in general, but that other things may cause the situation to change: All things being equal, smaller animals need smaller brains.20just the thing/the very thing exactly the thing that you want or that is necessary: A holiday is probably just the thing for you.21of all things used to show that you are surprised or shocked by something that someone has done or said: She gave up a promising career as a stockbroker to become a weaver, of all things.22do your own thing informal to do something in the way that you like instead of copying other people or following strict rules: I just want to live my own life and do my own thing.23it’s a girl/football/music etc thing informal used to say that something involves or affects a particular group of people only: Computer games aren’t just a guy thing.24all things considered when you consider all the parts or events of a situation: All things considered, we had surprisingly few injuries.25be all things to all men/people to try to please or be useful to all of many different groups, often without succeeding: In order to get votes, he tries to be all things to all men.26be onto a good thing informal if you are onto a good thing, you are in a situation that is very helpful, comfortable, or profitable for youthink/know you are onto a good thing Directors who take dividends instead of salary may think they are onto a good thing but could have problems on retirement.27make a big thing of/about/out of something to make something seem more important than it really is: You can apologise without making a big thing out of it.28the done thing British English old-fashioned informal the way of behaving or doing something that is socially acceptable: It is not the done thing for teachers to hit children.29it’s one thing to ..., (it’s) another thing to ..., used to say that doing one thing is very different from doing another thing, especially where the second thing is more difficult, important, or serious: It’s one thing being able to run fast, but quite another to win a marathon.30what with one thing and another British English spoken used to explain that you have had a lot of work, problems, or jobs that you had to do: I’ve been so busy these last few days, what with one thing and another.31have a thing about somebody/something informal to like or dislike someone or something very much, often without a good reason: She’s always had a thing about Peter.32one thing leads to another used to explain how a series of events caused something to happen without giving any details: One thing led to another and, before I knew it, I had invited her family to stay.33the (latest) thing informal something that is popular or fashionable at the moment: When Amelia bought a new car it had to be the latest thing.34(do/try) the ... thing American English spoken used to talk about an activity and everything that is involved with it: Jody tried the college thing but finally dropped out.35there's only one thing for it British English spoken used to say that there is only one action that you can take: There’s only one thing for it. We’ll have to call the police.36one (damn/damned) thing after another used to say that a lot of unpleasant or unlucky things keep happening to you37taking one thing with another British English considering all the facts38do things to somebody to have a strong effect on someone → amount/come to the same thing at same1(4), → the best thing since sliced bread at slice2(4), → first things first at first1(7), → living things at living1(1), → be hearing things at hear(10), → be seeing things at see1(27)COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3verbsthings go well/badly etc· If things went well, we would double our money in five years.· How did things go?things change· Things have changed dramatically over the last few years.things improve· Things appear to be improving.things get worse· As the recession proceeds, things will get worse.phrasesmake things worse/easier/difficult· Measures to slow down traffic on the main street have actually made things worse.as things stand (=at present)· As things stand at the moment, I have no intention of becoming a candidate myself.as things turned out (=used to say what happened or was discovered in the end)· Obviously, there had to be some mistake. As things turned out, there was.the way things are (=the present situation)· I’m not at all dissatisfied with the way things are at the moment.THESAURUSthing used when you do not need to say the name, or when you do not know the name: · What’s that thing on the kitchen table?· Have you got all your things?something a thing – used when you are not sure what the thing is: · There’s something on your shirt.object especially written a solid thing: · a sharp metal objectitem formal a particular kind of thing, or one of a group of things: · household items· a luxury item· an item of equipment· The items included pieces of old pottery.· You are not allowed to take sharp items onto the plane.article formal a particular kind of thing, or one of a group of things. Article is very formal, and is used especially in the phrase an article of clothing: · They found several articles of clothing in the bushes.· suspicious articles· Each article has a card with it giving more information.artifact (also artefact) formal an object that someone has made, especially one that is very old and has historical value: · The museum has a collection of early Roman artifacts.thingy (also thingamajig/thingamabob) spoken informal a thing – used especially when you cannot remember the name of the thing, but often the other person knows what you are talking about: · Can you pass me the thingy?
WORD ORIGINthing
Origin:
Old English ‘meeting, council, thing’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A funny thing happened to me on the way to work this morning.
- All that lovely fresh air -- that's the best thing about living in the country.
- He's got one of those electronic things, you know, that you can record all your addresses in.
- He gave her half the money because it was the right thing to do.
- I cried during the whole thing.
- I don't have a thing to wear!
- I have better things to do with my time.
- I know I shouldn't have hit him - it was a dumb thing to do.
- In the new version of the story, a few things have been changed.
- One of the things I like about Susan is the way she always keeps smiling, even when there are problems.
- She was wearing one of those Spanish type jacket things.
- So many things have happened since I last saw you.
- That was a really nice thing to do - I know Leona enjoys your visits.
- The thing that I really hate about this job is having to work late at night.
- The first thing I'm going to do when I get home is take a nap.
- The first thing we have to discuss is the price.
- The first thing we need to do is call Becky.
- The first thing you should do is connect the printer to the computer.
- The nicest thing about Richard is that he doesn't mind being criticized.
- The only thing she ever talks about is her boyfriend.
- He has a good point, but there are other things to consider.
- She was never in doubt about one single thing in her entire life.
- Sources say most things work but hundreds of fine points have to be checked.
- The first thing they realised was that they would have to slow things down.
- The most outstanding thing about the palace is the ceilings in several rooms.
- There was a sense of importance, of being at the heart of things.
THESAURUS
used when you do not need to say the name, or when you do not know the name: · What’s that thing on the kitchen table?· Have you got all your things?
a thing – used when you are not sure what the thing is: · There’s something on your shirt.
especially written a solid thing: · a sharp metal object
formal a particular kind of thing, or one of a group of things: · household items· a luxury item· an item of equipment· The items included pieces of old pottery.· You are not allowed to take sharp items onto the plane.
formal a particular kind of thing, or one of a group of things. Article is very formal, and is used especially in the phrase an article of clothing: · They found several articles of clothing in the bushes.· suspicious articles· Each article has a card with it giving more information.
(also artefact) formal an object that someone has made, especially one that is very old and has historical value: · The museum has a collection of early Roman artifacts.
(also thingamajig/thingamabob) spoken informal a thing – used especially when you cannot remember the name of the thing, but often the other person knows what you are talking about: · Can you pass me the thingy?
Longman Language Activatora thing use this instead of the name of something when you do not need to say its name or when you do not know what it is called. You can use thing when you mean a physical object, or something such as an event, an idea, or something that someone says: · What's that thing on the kitchen table?· There were several things that I wanted to discuss.· I cried during the whole thing.· The first thing we need to do is call Becky.adjective thing thing: · We went to the aquarium, and they have this neat new thing where the tide goes in and out over a rock pool.
a thing - use this especially when you do not know what the thing is, or you have not decided yet what it will be: · I need to get something for Greg - it's his birthday tomorrow.· There's something on your shirt, on the back.· Something went wrong with the pumping system in the pool.something something adjective: · Do you want to hear something really funny?· He wanted to get her something special, something expensive.something else (=another thing): · I've just remembered something else I wanted to tell you.something to eat/wear/read etc: · I need to have something to eat before we go out.or something (=or something similar): · There's a stone or a nail or something stuck in my shoe.
a separate solid thing, especially one that you can touch or hold in your hand: · Children should be able to point to each object as they count it.· The sculpture is made from objects he found on beaches in Mexico.inanimate object (=a thing that is not alive): · After his stroke, he was able to name inanimate objects like saws and shovels, but unable to name most living things.
one particular thing, especially one that is being bought or sold: · The line at the checkout was for people with eight items or fewer.· A comfortable, adjustable chair is the single most important item for the health of a computer user.· The museum has over 5,000 items of historical interest.item of clothing/furniture/jewellery etc (=a single piece of clothing, furniture, jewellery etc): · The main item of jewellery worn by men, other than a watch, is cuff links.household item American (=an object used in the house): · Bring any old household items for the sale.luxury item (=an expensive item that is not really necessary): · Many of the things that people in the West take for granted are considered to be luxury items here.collector's item (=a rare item that some people would pay a lot of money to have): · My aunt discovered that her old doll was a collector's item and worth a lot of money.
formal a thing, especially one of a group of things: · Each article has a written history printed on a card below the display.article of clothing/furniture/jewellery etc (=a single piece of clothing, furniture, jewellery etc): · She didn't take much with her, just a few articles of clothing and a towel.household article British (=an object used in the house): · Most of our wedding presents were household articles.
an object that someone has made, such as a tool or piece of jewellery, especially one that is interesting because it is very old, comes from a different country etc: · Many Bronze Age artifacts were discovered at Luddesdown.· Do not buy any artefacts unless they have an export permit.
several things of different types use this when you are talking about two or more things of different types and you do not need to say what they are: · I threw a few things into a bag and ran to the car.somebody's things spoken (=the things that someone owns or that they are carrying with them): · She's coming back later to get her things.all sorts/kinds of things (=a lot of different types of things): · They sell furniture, toys, cards - all sorts of things.
informal spoken objects or possessions of different types: · I don't know how we're going to get all this stuff into the car.somebody's stuff: · You're not going to have a lot of time to pack up your stuff before you move.
spoken things that are not useful and should be thrown away, for example because they are old or broken: · I must clean out this cupboard - it's absolutely full of junk.· They have so much junk in their yard. It makes the neighborhood look awful.
several different things, especially small things that are not of much value: · In the drawer she found a photograph, an old hairbrush, and various other odds and ends.· Odds and ends that haven't sold have been drastically reduced in price.
also bits and bobs British informal a number of small objects that are all different from each other: · There are all sorts of bits and pieces in this box.· Do any of these bits and bobs belong to you?
a large number of different things which you need for a particular activity - you can often use this humorously : · The car is packed solid with all our camping paraphernalia.· She was charged with possessing drug paraphernalia.
what you say when you do not know the name of something or cannot remember it also whatsit British informal spoken say this when you do not know the name of something or cannot remember it exactly: · Do you have a what's its name -- you know, one of those things for taking off wallpaper?· I've broken the whatchamacallit on my purse.· You need one of those whatsits to turn the bolt.
informal spoken say this especially when you do not want to try to think about the exact name of something: · You squeeze this little thingamajig, and it forces air into the pocket.· The towels are on the thingy at the top of the stairs.
spoken something whose name you do not know exactly but that has particular features or is a type of the thing you are mentioning: · He's got one of those electronic things, you know, that you can record all your addresses in.noun thing thing: · What's that box thing on the table?· She was wearing one of those Spanish type jacket things.
a good feature of something a good feature of something, for example a way in which it is useful or better than other things of the same kind: · There are different ways of saving money for retirement, but this one has several advantages.advantage of: · The advantage of walking to work is that I get some exercise.big advantage: · One of the big advantages of the course is that it helps students develop their writing skills in English.
spoken use this when you are talking about one of the main advantages of something: · The good thing about this job is that I can work at home whenever I want.
a feature of something that has a good effect on people's lives: · Tourism has brought many benefits to the area.benefit of: · the benefits of a healthy lifestyle· What are the benefits for Britain of belonging to the European Union?
one of the good characteristics of something such as a plan, system, or way of doing something: · The merits of the new health programme are gradually being recognized.· The committee is still considering the merits of the new proposals.
an additional quality that helps to make something more useful, valuable, or attractive than other things of the same type: be a plus: · The hotel's closeness to the beach is definitely a plus.plus point British: · The plus point of this area is its school system, which is considered one of the best in the city.
a particularly good quality that makes something especially useful, suitable, or likely to be successful: that's the beauty of it spoken: · Our new generator runs entirely on recycled fuel. That's the beauty of it.the beauty of something is that: · The beauty of the plan is that it only requires a small investment.
what you say when you are advising someone spoken · You should go to the doctor with that cough.· I think you should stay here until you've sobered up.· That new restaurant's great -- you really ought to try it.· Do you know what you ought to do? You ought to tell her exactly what you think of her.
spoken say this when you are giving someone friendly advice: · I wouldn't do that if I were you.· Here's your money -- if I were you I'd put it in the bank right now.
spoken say this when you are advising someone how to do something in a better way: · The ferry takes about eight hours! You'd be better off going by plane.· I think you'd be better off using a knife rather than scissors for that job.
spoken say this when you think that someone should do something because you know from your own experience how unpleasant or difficult something can be: · Take my advice - don't go into teaching unless you're absolutely committed.· Divorces are a nightmare. Take my advice and stay single.
spoken say this when you are telling someone that they should trust the advice you are giving them because it is based on your personal experience: · Take it from me, you'll regret it if you waste your time at school.· Love affairs with colleagues never work out -- take it from me.
especially written use this when you are strongly advising someone to do something, especially because they may have trouble if they do not do it: · Before your interview you'd be well advised to have another look at what you put on the application form.· There are parts of Detroit you'd be well advised to avoid.
formal use this when you are strongly advising someone not to do something because it would be dangerous or stupid: · On no account should you attempt this exercise if you're pregnant.not on any account: · You shouldn't sign the contract unless you are sure you understand it. Not on any account.
spoken say this when you do not want someone to make a mistake, for example by forgetting to do something or losing something: · Make sure that you take your passport.· Make sure you lock all the doors and windows at night.
spoken say this when you are telling someone what you think the best way of dealing with a particular situation is, based on your own experience: · The best thing is to just ignore her. She'll soon take the hint.
spoken say this especially when you are warning someone to be careful about something: · A word of advice: when you're at the interview don't mention that you used to work in a bar.
something that is alive a human, animal, plant, or anything that is alive: · An ocean is full of living things.· The tree, at 368 feet, is considered the world's tallest living thing.· Ecology is the study of how living things relate to their environment.
a living thing or one type of living thing - used in scientific or technical contexts: · Hobart is convinced that there are life forms on other planets.· Some scientists estimate that at least one third of the life forms that exist in deep oceans have not yet been discovered.· strange life forms in the Galapagos Islands
a living thing, especially an extremely small one - used in scientific and technical contexts: · Food poisoning is caused by a bacterial organism.living organism: · Genetic engineers manipulate living organisms such as cells or bacteria to create products which fight disease.
any living things, for example people, animals, plants, or all of these things together: · Oxygen is necessary to sustain life on Earth.· The new evidence seemed to indicate that life existed on Mars billions of years ago.animal/plant life (=all the animals or plants in a place): · Many species of plant life continue to be eradicated in South American rain forests.
animals and plants growing in natural conditions: · The Sea of Cortez is rich with wildlife.· The organization was set up to protect wildlife across Europe.
ways of adding something to what you have just said spoken use this to add something, especially something that gives more force to what you have just said: · What's more this stuff is cheap to manufacture so we should make a big profit.and what's more: · The prisoner has a gun, and what's more he's prepared to use it.
spoken use this especially when you are giving another reason for something: · I don't mind picking up your things from the store. Besides, the walk will do me good.· Sonya says she couldn't get here through all the snow. Besides, her car's broken down.
use this when you want to change the subject and talk about something else you have thought of or remembered. Incidentally is more formal than by the way: · How is she, by the way? I hear she's been ill.· I'll meet you at eight o'clock. Oh, by the way, could you ask John to come too?· The course is organized by Sheila Dean who, by the way, is head of marketing now.· Incidentally, these products can be dangerous if used carelessly.· He was offered a raise of 18% which, incidentally, is double what the rest of us got.
informal an abbreviation for 'by the way', used especially in e-mail messages when you want to add some news at the end of a message: · BTW, I got a message from Andy. He's getting married in June.
use this to introduce something that makes the situation more interesting, more surprising, worse etc: · There will be live music and food, not to mention games and prizes for the whole family!· Climbers have to carry all their equipment on their backs, not to mention their tents and bedding.· Several rare South American mammals escaped from the zoo, not to mention a three-metre-long python.
formal use this especially to introduce more information that will help persuade people to agree with what you are saying: · This new equipment will be very expensive to set up. Furthermore, more machines will mean fewer jobs.· The drug has powerful side effects. Moreover, it can be addictive.
as well as other problems or bad things you have just mentioned: · On top of all this the management has decided to make us come in on Saturdays.· ... and on top of everything else my TV's broken.
spoken use this at the beginning of a sentence to show you are going to add something else to what you have just said, especially when you are complaining about something: · And another thing! Where's the fifty dollars you owe me?
certain to win or succeed if someone is destined to do or become something, they will certainly do it or become it, especially something that will make them famous or admired: · She was convinced that her little boy was destined to become President.· Clara worked in a factory and sang in clubs at weekends - but even then you could tell that she was destined to become a star.
formal to be certain to get something good or to be successful: · After the success of its recent single, the band is now assured of a contract with a major record company.· Our clients are assured of comfortable accommodation and the attention of our trained staff.
spoken informal use this to say that someone or something will definitely win or succeed: · I'm betting on Sceptre. He's a dead cert to win the Gold Cup.
spoken use this to say that something or someone will definitely be successful: · We've been through the plan a dozen times. It can't go wrong.· Just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong.
spoken informal use this to say that you will certainly get something you want, or something you want will certainly happen, because you have almost got it or it has almost happened already: · You're bound to get Bill's job when he leaves - it's in the bag.be in the bag: · If we win the next game, the championship's in the bag.
use this to say that it is almost certain something will happen because of what you know of the situation: · I told my friends it was a sure thing, and they bet every last penny on that horse of yours.it's a safe bet/it's a sure bet/it's a sure thing (that): · If the President supports him it's a sure bet that he'll get a seat in Congress.· As it was the first concert of the season it was a safe bet all the critics would be there.
a foolproof plan or method is one that is certain to work and be successful: · A pasta book is a foolproof gift for anyone who cooks.foolproof method/system/plan etc: · The new speech recognition system is not absolutely foolproof, but it is a huge breakthrough.· The gang hit on a seemingly foolproof way of getting drugs into the country.
one part of the character of something a part of the character of something that makes it clearly different from or similar to other things: · One of the characteristics of this species is the dark blue markings on its back.· The main characteristics of capitalism are private ownership of capital and freedom of enterprise.share characteristics/have characteristics in common (=have similar characteristics): · The UK shares many characteristics with other European countries.· The two diseases have a number of characteristics in common.
an important part of the character of something, especially a part that is good: · There are certain qualities in Orwell's prose that I greatly admire.· Despite its many qualities, the school simply isn't getting results.· This wine possesses a unique quality.a quality of: · There is a wonderful quality of innocence in these paintings.
a characteristic that a particular substance or chemical has: · The properties of the soil influence the growth of the plants.· We test the chemical and biological properties of the samples.· The conducting properties of solids vary widely.
an important, noticeable, or interesting characteristic of something: · The hotel's most attractive feature is its magnificent view of Mount Hood.· Patriotism was a prominent feature in Bush's election campaign.a feature of: · Information on employment is a central feature of this training course.
a characteristic of an organization or system, especially a good characteristic: · He possesses the essential attributes of a journalist.· She spent most of the interview describing the company's attributes to me.
informal a characteristic of something, especially one that you like or dislike: · The thing that I really hate about this job is having to work late at night.· All that lovely fresh air -- that's the best thing about living in the country.
the good or bad things about a place or thing: · The city is big and noisy, but it does have its good points too.
you say this when there's something about a thing, a place, someone's behaviour etc that you like or dislike, but you're not sure exactly what it is: · There's something very strange about this whole affair.· There was something about the place that gave me the creeps.
one part of someone's character something such as an ability or a way of behaving that is part of someone's character: · Besides intelligence and charm, Bella had some less desirable qualities.· The essential quality of a good parent is patience.· Among his other endearing qualities, Ralph was an exceedingly patient man.
a part of someone's character, especially a part that is thought by other people to be good and useful: · The attribute that people found most attractive in Sharon was her optimism.· Hope is one of mankind's most enduring and rewarding attributes.· He had all the attributes of a great leader: charisma, energy, discipline, and resourcefulness.
someone's characteristics are the qualities that are typical of them and which make them easy to recognize: · All great leaders share certain characteristics which must be seen as the key to their success.· Ralph can be very mean sometimes. It's one of his less endearing characteristics.
one type of feeling or behaviour that is particularly noticeable in a person or group of people: · It's a human trait to joke about subjects that make us uncomfortable.family trait (=a trait shared by members of a family): · Pride seems to be one of our family traits.personality trait: · Certain personality traits make people more likely to become victims of violent crime.
: romantic/serious/funny etc side a part of someone's character, especially one that is very different from the rest of their character: · Canning was a very traditional Englishman but he had a surprisingly romantic side to him as well.· Val revealed her wild side at the office party.· After his arrest people realized that there had always been a darker side to his nature.
one part of someone's character, which makes them behave or feel in particular ways: · Part of me loves going to parties but there's another part that prefers staying at home.· There is a part of her that I just don't understand.
a part of someone's character that is quite different from the rest of their character, especially one that makes them behave badly: mean/nasty/violent etc streak: · She had a mean streak that she didn't bother to hide.· The District Attorney argued that Johnson has a violent streak and is a danger to society.
informal a part of someone's character, especially one that you like or dislike: · One of the things I like about Susan is the way she always keeps smiling, even when there are problems.· The nicest thing about Richard is that he doesn't mind being criticized.
good or bad things about someone's character: · Fred was a bad manager but he had his good points.· She always tried to be fair with her students and not just stress their bad points.· When you're dead people don't remember your faults -- only your good points.
a strange or unusual habit or part of someone's character: · Although on the outside he was quiet and shy, Albert had more than his share of quirks.· She took pride in her children's quirks and individuality, and made no effort to try to change them.
you say this when there is something about a person's character that you like or dislike, but you're not sure exactly what it is: · I don't know what it is, but there's something about that man which really irritates me.
a single piece of information a single fact or piece of information about something: · The story's very complicated - I can't remember the exact details.detail of: · The student advice office provides details of all the university courses in the country.· Baker advises the President on the details of foreign policy.personal details (=details such as someone's age, their address, whether they are married etc): · To apply for a loan, first fill in the section marked 'Personal Details'.full details: · For full details of this exclusive offer, just send in a stamped addressed envelope.further details: · The donated liver came from the UK, but the hospital is giving no further details.
a detail that you need to talk about when you are discussing a plan, statement, or written agreement: · There's one point in your letter that is not quite clear.· Almost everything has been agreed. There is just one final point that needs to be settled.small/minor point (=one that is not very important): · We only have a few small points left to discuss.
spoken a detail in something such as a plan, statement, or written agreement: · There's one thing I'm not clear about, and that's how we are going to get to the airport.· In the new version of the story, a few things have been changed.
to not like something or someone · John doesn't like garlic.· Why did you invite Claire? You know I don't like her.not like doing something · My girlfriend doesn't like camping.· I don't like walking home alone at night.not like something/somebody very much · Mum didn't like Mark very much when she first met him.
written to think someone or something is very unpleasant: · Eldridge was a quiet man who disliked social occasions.· She now seriously disliked her former friend.dislike doing something: · I dislike having to get up so early in the morning.dislike somebody/something intensely (=dislike them very much): · Muriel disliked Paul intensely.
spoken to think that something is not very good or that someone is not very good at something: · You don't think much of Carol, do you?· The hotel was okay, though I didn't think much of the food.· I don't think much of The Beatles, to be quite honest.
British informal to not like something, although you do not think it is very bad or very unpleasant: · Actually, I'm not very keen on modern art.· George had never been particularly fond of small children.
if someone is not your type , they are not the kind of person you usually like or enjoy being with: · Rob isn't her type at all.· "What do you think of Michael?" "He looks a bit rough - he's not really my type."
also not be somebody's cup of tea British informal to not be the kind of thing that you enjoy - use this about activities, films, books etc: · Tennis is not my thing.· Horror films aren't really my cup of tea.
use this to say that something is not the type of thing that you like or that you think is good: · It seems that the music wasn't exactly to his taste.· The food wasn't really to my liking - it all tasted rather salty.
to dislike a person, their attitude, or their behaviour and have no respect for them: · I've no time for that kind of attitude.· My father had no time for complainers.· He has no time for players who aren't completely dedicated.
to be unwilling to accept a particular situation, suggestion, or type of behaviour, because you think it is annoying: · Nancy doesn't take kindly to being corrected.· He didn't take very kindly to being disturbed in the middle of the night.
something that someone does something that someone does - always use this with the verb do: · The first thing you should do is connect the printer to the computer.a nice/stupid/nasty etc thing to do: · That was a really nice thing to do - I know Leona enjoys your visits.· I know I shouldn't have hit him - it was a dumb thing to do.the right/best/smart/only etc thing to do: · He gave her half the money because it was the right thing to do.
something that someone does: · You can't be blamed for the actions of your parents.· Bedell's financial problems do not excuse his actions.course of action (=something that you could do in order to deal with a situation): · There was only one possible course of action - he had to resign.
things that people do, especially as an organized group - use this especially about illegal things that people do: · The FBI is investigating the company's business activities.· There is growing evidence of drug-smuggling activities in and around the port.· Alberts created false documents to hide his activities from his employers.
when people are doing things, moving around, and looking busy: · There's a lot of activity downstairs - do you know what's going on?· Military activity was secretly taking place for weeks before the invasion.
a particular kind of action: act of courage/stupidity/cruelty/kindness etc: · Saving the boys from the river was an act of great courage.· We condemn all acts of violence, no matter what the reason.· The whole nation is very grateful for the numerous acts of kindness rendered in this time of crisis.
something very brave, very good or very bad that someone does - used especially in literature: · One day he will pay for his evil deeds.· He grew up reading the tales and legends of heroic deeds.good deed: · Well, that's my good deed for the day.
something that someone does that is admired because it is very difficult and you need a lot of skill or strength to do it: feat of: · Using the code requires incredible feats of memory.perform/accomplish/achieve a feat: · The circus acrobats perform amazing feats on the trapeze.· He led his team to victory for the tenth time, a feat no captain had achieved before.
brave or exciting actions that people are told about and admire: · The children loved to hear their father tell stories of his wartime exploits.· Powell's exploits on the Colorado River made him a hero of the old West.
early in the morning early in the morning: · I always wake up early when the weather's warm.· Early the next day, Jamie received a call from his mother.make an early start (=start an activity or journey early in the morning): · If we make an early start we should avoid the worst of the traffic.in the early hours (=during the first hours of the day, when most people are asleep): · The robbery took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.early bird (=someone who gets up early in the morning): · Jack was always an early bird; he did a lot of his work before dawn.
especially spoken if you do something first thing , you do it immediately after you get up or as soon as you start work: · I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.first thing tomorrow/Wednesday/in the morning etc: · Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
informal use this to emphasize that something happens very early in the morning, when most people are still in bed: · My Dad used to get up at the crack of dawn every Sunday to go fishing.
if you get up bright and early , you get up very early in the morning, especially because there is something that you want to do: · Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.· Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk.
when you have eaten enough or too much food to have eaten enough food, so that you do not want any more: · "Would you like some dessert?" "No thanks, I've had enough."· Leave the rest if you've had enough.
spoken if you are full , you have eaten so much food that you cannot eat any more: · "Would you like some more pie?" "No thanks, I'm full."
you say I couldn't eat another thing when you have eaten a lot, especially because you enjoyed the food, and are very full: · The apple pie is delicious, but I won't have another slice - I couldn't eat another thing.
having eaten so much that your stomach feels very full and uncomfortable: · I feel really bloated. I wish I hadn't eaten so much.bloated with: · He fell onto the sofa, his stomach bloated with food.
if you do something on a full stomach , you do it soon after eating a meal, when you are still feeling full: · It isn't wise to go swimming on a full stomach.
to not exist · The Atlantic Ocean did not exist 150 million years ago.· She looked right through me as if I didn't exist.· The village the old man mentioned doesn't exist on any of my maps.
spoken use this to tell someone that you are sure something does not exist: · I don't believe in vampires - there's no such thing.there's no such thing as: · I've come to the conclusion that there's no such thing as perfect happiness.
something that is nonexistent does not exist: · Steady jobs are almost nonexistent in remote parts of the country.· It turned out that many of the letters of recommendation were from nonexistent companies.
experienced in a particular job or activity someone who is experienced knows a lot about a job or activity because they have done it for a long time: · Ms Carter is one of our most experienced teachers.experienced in (doing) something: · This job would suit someone experienced in dealing with the public.highly experienced (=very experienced): · Highly experienced cost estimators for construction projects earn around $80,000 a year.
: seasoned traveller/politician/professional etc someone who has done something regularly for a long time and knows all the problems involved: · Being a seasoned traveller, he was fully prepared for the long delay at the airport.· We need a seasoned manager to run this project.
British /practiced American someone who is practised in a particular job or skill has become good at it through experience: · A practised observer would quickly notice changes in the birds' behaviour.practised in: · Morris is a skilful salesman, practiced in the art of persuasion.
someone who has been doing something important in public life for a very long time and is respected by other people: veteran of: · Chiles, a three-term veteran of the U.S. Senate, won the governorship of Florida.veteran campaigner/statesman/broadcaster etc: · Millett is a veteran campaigner for women's rights.· Veteran diplomat Richard Murphy is heading the commission.
someone who has been doing something for a long time and knows all the best ways of doing it: · Charlie will show you what to do - he's one of our old hands.old hand at: · Nurse Baker is an old hand at dealing with difficult patients.
informal to have a lot of knowledge about something, gained from experience: · You may not want to believe me, but I do know a thing or two.know a thing or two about: · I think he knows a thing or two about football - he's been playing for 15 years.
to know how to do all the parts of a job or to be able to deal with a system because you have had a lot of experience: · The best way to learn is to spend some time with someone who knows the ropes.· People who shop at thrift stores regularly know the ropes.
informal someone whom you admire because of their great skill and experience in a particular job, profession, or activity: · My accountant knows his stuff - he's a real pro.old pro: · If there's a fish down there he'll catch it - he's a old pro.
what you say when you are going to explain something spoken say this when you are explaining something to someone, and you want to check that they are listening and that they understand you: · This fits on here, see, where the arrow is.· Simon's car broke down, you see, and neither of us knew how to fix it.
spoken say this when you are explaining something you have said or giving an example of something: · Ted seems kind of lazy. I mean, he never offers to help and he just lies in front of the TV.what I mean (to say) is: · I'm afraid I can't help you. What I mean is that I'm not a detective, and I don't solve crimes.
use this when you are saying something in a different way in order to explain it more clearly: · What we need is a more sustainable transport system, in other words, more buses and trains, and fewer cars.· This is supposed to be a democracy - in other words, one person one vote.
spoken use this when you are explaining a problem or the reason for something: · I really don't want to leave yet. The thing is, I have an appointment in 15 minutes.· I do have a computer, but the thing is, it's really old and I can't use it for email.
use this to explain the meaning of the previous word or phrase by giving more information about it: · The fare is reduced for children, that is, anyone under 15 years old.· All documents are printed in the two official languages - that is, English and French.
spoken say this when you want to explain something to someone because you think they have not understood: · I can see you're getting confused. Let me explain.· I know the plan seems a little crazy at first, but it's really not. Let me explain.
used when you have explained something in one way and you are going to try to make it clearer by explaining it in a different way: · Money makes money. To put it another way, the more you invest, the greater your potential profit will be.· The problem demands a global solution. To put it another way, local regulations will have very little effect.
spoken say this when someone is not sure what you mean and you are going to try to explain in a way that will help them to understand, especially by saying something humorous or direct: · "Does he get many dates?" "Put it like this - you don't have to feel sorry for him."· Put it this way, honey - what the boss doesn't know isn't going to bother him.
spoken used when you are going to use different words to say something again, because you have just said it in an unsuitable way and it may not have been understood correctly: · I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. That wasn't what I meant to say at all.· Most of the people there were incredibly old. Let me rephrase that - we were the youngest couple there.
fashionable activity, product, style etc a style of clothes, hair, behaviour etc that is fashionable: latest fashion (=the newest styles of clothes): · I always find it hard to keep up with the latest fashions.fashion in clothes/music etc: · changing fashions in popular musicfashion for doing something: · Who started this fashion for wearing old army clothes?
a way of doing something or a way of thinking that is becoming fashionable: · A lot of the students here don't think for themselves, they just follow the latest trends.trend in: · Today we'll be examining the latest trends in kitchen design
a fashion, activity, type of music etc that suddenly becomes very popular, but only remains popular for a short time: · A new fitness craze from Australia is rapidly catching on.· To no one's surprise, the macarena proved to be a short-lived fad.
the most fashionable and newest thing to do, wear, or have: · The latest thing is to wear only white clothes.· No matter how expensive, he always has to do the latest thing.the latest thing in: · I can remember when eight-track tapes were the latest thing in music.
a style of music, clothes, art etc that is fashionable with a particular group of people: · People's fondness for wearing black and other dark colours was a vogue I never really liked.· a vogue for the paintings of Claude Lorraine
to be fashionable if clothes, music, places, or activities are in fashion , they are fashionable and popular with many people at the present time: · Latin music is very much in fashion.· Surprisingly, flared trousers are in fashion again.· Country cottage furniture has been in fashion for a long time now.
to be fashionable: · I thought it looked ugly, but Iris said white suits were the fashion so I tried it on.be the fashion among somebody: · Wearing coats hanging off one shoulder is the fashion among schoolchildren at the moment.
informal to be the most recent and most popular fashion now: · When I was growing up, the video game "Pong" was the latest thing.· I know cigars are the in thing, but you'll never see me smoke one.be the latest thing in something: · Herbert's house looks like a factory , but it's the latest thing in modern architecture.be the in thing to do: · Having a holiday in Ibiza seems to be the in thing to do at the moment.
informal to be fashionable at the present time: · Long skirts are in at the moment.
if something, especially an activity, is all the rage , it is very fashionable, and popular with a lot of people, especially for a short time: · Before the war, ragtime was all the rage in the dancehalls.· Buying a cabin in the mountains may be all the rage at the moment, but is it really a sound investment?
if something, especially a style of music, decoration, art etc, is in vogue , it is fashionable at that time with a particular group of people: · Do you remember when New Wave music was in vogue?· His photographs, stark and sometimes shocking, are very much in vogue with young intellectuals.
allowed to do what you want allowed or able to do what you want, without being restricted by rules or by other people: · I had just left home, and was enjoying the feeling of being free and independent at last.free to do something: · During "Golden Time", the pupils are free to choose the activity they would like to do.
formal to be free to do something, especially because someone has given you official permission or you have the right to do it: · The Secretary of State told reporters, "I am not at liberty to get into the details of the proposal."· You are quite at liberty to make an official complaint if you wish.
if you can travel, speak, operate etc freely , you can do it as much as you like and in whatever way you like, without anyone trying to stop you: · For most of the year, farmers allow the sheep to roam freely on the hillsides.· In England he could write freely, without fear of arrest.· TV companies need the ability to operate freely, with the minimum of government interference,
especially spoken to do what you want to do, especially when these are not the same things as other people generally do: · As a kid, I wanted to do my own thing, but when I got older I realized I wanted to continue the family business.· The three women worked together on a stage play, and then each went off to do her own thing.
something that happens, that is not planned something that happens, especially something that is important or interesting: · Meeting Professor Kearney was an event which changed my life.· The book discusses the events leading up to the outbreak of World War Two.· The evening meal is a time when all the family can get together and discuss the day's events.chain/sequence of events (=the order in which events happened): · Police are attempting to reconstruct the sequence of events on the night of the killing.the course of events (=the way that events happened): · Nothing we could have done would have changed the course of events.
informal something that happens: · So many things have happened since I last saw you.a funny thing happened: · A funny thing happened to me on the way to work this morning.not remember a thing (=used to emphasize that you do not remember what happened): · When I woke up the next morning, I couldn't remember a thing.
formal something that happens, use this especially to say whether something happens often or not often: a common/daily/frequent etc occurrence: · Vicious fights and arguments were a daily occurrence in the shipyards.· Earthquakes are an unusual occurrence in England but are not totally unknown.
something that happens, especially something that is unusual or unpleasant or something that is part of a longer series of events: · Apart from the incident in Las Vegas our vacation was completely trouble-free.· One violent incident turned into a political and family tragedy.a bomb/shooting/terrorist etc incident (=used especially in news reports): · Friday's shooting incident in East London led to several arrests.without incident (=without anything unpleasant happening): · The fans were well behaved, and the game was played without incident.
something that happens, especially something that is strange or unusual: · The happenings of the last two days had left me feeling dazed.· 'The X Files' is a fictional television programme about strange, unexplained happenings.
plural phenomena a natural or social process that can be seen or is known to happen, and is often studied: · We now know that our system of planets orbiting the sun is not a unique phenomenon.· The cell phone is a relatively recent phenomenon. It's difficult at the moment to assess its effects.phenomenon of: · the increasing phenomenon of the single parent familynatural phenomenon: · A thorough understanding of mathematics is sufficient to explain a wide variety of natural phenomena.
to live in an independent way to live in an independent way, without other people helping you or telling you what to do: · Alice was glad to be independent and making a life of her own at last.· What strategies does a growing child use to become independent?· Our main objective is to help disabled people lead independent lives within the community.
also look after yourself especially British to cook your own food, wash your own clothes, and do other basic things that are necessary to live: · Grandpa can't take care of himself any more so he's coming to live with us.· Many youngsters who've been brought up in care are often incapable of looking after themselves when they leave.
informal to live your life independently without any help from your family or the government: · She'll never learn to stand on her own feet if you keep giving her whatever she wants.· A year abroad gives students the chance to stand on their own two feet.
informal to start working or living on your own, especially after working or living with other people in a family, organization etc: · The response to our proposal was lukewarm, so we felt we had to go it alone.· After years of working for a big company, she decided to go it alone and set up her own business.· When it comes to parenthood, more and more women are deciding to go it alone.
spoken to live in an independent way and do what you want to do, without being influenced by what other people think: · He has a couple of roommates but they kind of all do their own thing.· He's given up his job and is living in northern California, just doing his own thing.
written to look after yourself, when you are used to being taken care of by someone else, or when being independent is very difficult: · The mother died before the cubs were old enough to fend for themselves.· Dad always wanted me to be able to fend for myself from a very early age.· The children were left to fend for themselves on the streets.
when something happens, although it almost did not happen · "Can I speak to Tony please?" "Sorry, you've just missed him."· If you hurry you'll just catch the 9.30 bus.· I just made it to class on time.· At the moment we're just making enough money to cover our costs.just in time (=with very little time to spare) · We got to the station just in time.
if you barely do something, you succeed, although you almost fail: · The fog was so bad that we could barely see the road in front of us.· The staff here are barely coping with all the work.
also nearly didn't British · I saw him a week ago and I almost didn't recognize him, he'd lost so much weight.· My alarm clock is broken and I nearly didn't wake up in time this morning.
British /just barely American use this when you succeed in doing something, but you want to emphasize how close you were to failing: · It was a close game. Beverly beat me, but only just.· I could just barely hear him.· The paperwork was only just completed in time for the conference.· The train was late, and I just barely made it to the meeting on time.
: narrowly win/defeat/fail etc if you narrowly win, lose etc, you win or lose by a very small number of points, votes etc: · The bill was narrowly defeated in the Senate.· She narrowly failed to beat the world record in the 100 metres sprint.
British use this to say that something good happened, but it almost did not: · The Labour party won the election, but it was a very near thing.· He nearly died - it was a very close thing.
if you do something by the skin of your teeth , you succeed in doing it, but only by a very small amount of time, space etc: · The business is surviving, but only by the skin of its teeth.· The car broke down on the way to the airport and they just caught the plane by the skin of their teeth.
late at night: it's late · Look, it's late and I'm tired - let's talk about this tomorrow.it's getting late · I must go home now, it's getting late.late at night · I don't like coming home late at night to an empty house.stay up late (=not go to bed until late) · They stayed up late to watch the end of the match.have a late night (=when you go to bed very late) · You look as if you've been having too many late nights recently.
late at night when most people are asleep: · In the middle of the night, I was woken by a loud noise downstairs.· Helen opened the door. "Dave? What's wrong? It's the middle of the night!"
happening or shown late at night: · They kept us awake with their late-night parties.· late-night television· They stopped off for a late-night drink.
informal just before you go to bed: · The soldiers are supposed to polish their shoes last thing at night.
a time which is very late at night, between about 1 o'clock and 4 o'clock in the morning: · The club didn't close till the early hours.the early hours of the morning: · They reached San Francisco in the early hours of the morning.
informal until very late at night - use this when you are annoyed by someone doing something too late at night: · She and her friends used to stay out till all hours, going from club to club.· Better not wake her - she was up till all hours last night, working.
a lucky thing that happens a lucky event happens because of good luck, and not because of hard work, careful planning etc: lucky guess/win/escape etc: · "How did you know he'd be there?" "It was a lucky guess."· Italy got a lucky goal in the last five minutes of the game.it is lucky (that): · ''It's lucky that you remembered about the passports," said Barry as they drove away.
lucky - use this especially about something that happens which saves you from danger or serious trouble. Fortunate is more formal than lucky: it is fortunate (that): · It is extremely fortunate that there was no-one in the building when the bomb went off.fortunate for: · Some plants actually prefer a lot of shade, which is fortunate for gardeners choosing plants for gloomy corners.
because of good luck - use this when something dangerous or unpleasant is avoided as a result of good luck: · I had forgotten my key, but luckily Ahmed was there and let me in.· Fortunately, there was no-one in the office when the fire started.luckily/fortunately for: · Luckily for us it didn't rain till the evening.
also it's a good job British spoken say this when something lucky happens that saves you from experiencing problems or danger: it's a good thing (that): · It's a good thing I brought my camera.· It's a good job you didn't scream.
something lucky that happens to you very unexpectedly and saves you from a difficult or inconvenient situation: · My car had broken down opposite a garage, which was a real stroke of luck.· Here's a letter from my father with a cheque inside - isn't that a stroke of luck!it is a stroke of luck (that): · It was a stroke of luck that they'd just substituted their usual penalty taker.
if it is your lucky day, night etc , you are lucky and something good happens then: · I have a feeling today's going to be my lucky day.· He kissed her again and then started up the car. Tonight was his lucky night.
use this when something very dangerous or unpleasant is avoided as a result of good luck, in a way that is almost unbelievable: · A teenager had a miraculous escape last night when the car she was travelling in overturned.· The doctor gave her a month to live but she made a miraculous recovery.it is miraculous (that): · The emergency services said it was miraculous that no-one was seriously injured.
informal something very surprising that only happens because of luck, not because of your skill or planning: · I'll have to win more than once, otherwise people will think it was a fluke.
to have an obsession · My father always said I had an unhealthy obsession for spotty pop bands.· Our French teacher had a neurotic obsession with correct punctuation.
someone who is obsessed , has an obsession about someone or something: · Madonna was being stalked by an obsessed fan.obsessed by/with/about: · She was obsessed by Giles· He became obsessed in his old age with what to do with his immense wealth.· People are generally less obsessed about getting a tan than they used to be.
having an unreasonably strong and continuous interest in someone or something, so that you cannot stop thinking about them and your behaviour is seriously affected: · She's got this obsessive fear of losing control, so she never shows her emotions.· Deep anxiety can cause obsessive behaviour.obsessive about: · I try to look after my body as best I can, but I'm not obsessive about it.
to be unable to stop thinking about someone or something, even when you do not want to think about them: · Since the divorce, he hadn't been able to get Bonniet out of his mind.· She knew the story wasn't true, but she couldn't get it out of her mind.
informal to have an unreasonably strong interest in, liking for, or fear of something: · Joanne's got a thing about her hair. She's always changing the style.· The Captain had a thing about neat handwriting; in fact he couldn't bear to look at anything that wasn't beautifully written.
if something obsesses someone, or they obsess about it, they think about it all the time and cannot think about anything else: · The idea that she was being punished began to obsess her.obsess about: · Some women obsess about their thighs and stomachs.
to be continuously thinking about one subject so that you often talk about it when there is no reason to: · Boys of that age have a one track mind. All they think about is sex.
to have a strong and unnatural interest in something, so that you think about it a lot: · As a child, Quinlan had an unhealthy interest in death.
when there is no pain if something does not hurt , it is not painful: · I twisted my ankle a little, but it doesn't hurt.· Don't worry - it's a very quick procedure and it won't hurt.
something that is painless does not hurt - use this especially when someone is worried that it might hurt: · The operation is simple and painless.
spoken to not feel any pain at all: · Don't worry about the injection - you won't feel a thing.· The guys who were fighting were so drunk, I'm sure they didn't feel a thing.
the best and most suitable person or thing completely suitable for a person or situation: · A dry white wine is perfect with any fish dish.perfect for: · This dress will be perfect for the summer.· perfect weather for a picnicthe perfect place/time/job etc: · That sounds like the perfect job for you.
very suitable and exactly what you want: · The house was a little too small so it was not ideal.ideal for: · It's a very relaxed hotel, ideal for families with young children.somebody's ideal man/woman/job/house etc (=one that has all the qualities you like best): · My ideal man would be someone like Mel Gibson.
spoken suitable in every way: · "Do these new curtains look OK?" "Yes, they're just right."just right for: · I'm glad they're getting married - they're just right for each other.
also be just the job British informal to be exactly what is needed: · Cold lemonade is just the thing on a hot day.be just the thing for: · A tall hedge would be just the job for that side of the garden.
specially designed for you, so that it is exactly what you need or want: · If you are an independent traveller, we can arrange a tailor-made tour.tailor-made for: · Our company can provide you with an insurance policy that is tailor-made for you.tailor-made to do something: · In the USA and Canada, a house is often tailor-made to fit the needs of the family that will live in it.
what you say when you are explaining a problem spoken say this when you are explaining why something is difficult or what is causing problems: · The trouble is, there's no-one here who really understands computers.the trouble/problem is (that): · The problem is that we can't really afford the plane fare.the trouble/problem with something is: · The trouble with using credit cards is that it's so easy to get into debt.
spoken informal say this when you are explaining to a friend why you cannot do what they want: · The thing is, I have an important exam next week.· I'd love to come, but the thing is, I promised to see Jim tonight.
to be in a very difficult situation informal to be in a difficult situation and not know what to do: · The team's owner is in a fix - he's spent a lot to improve the stadium, but ticket sales are still declining.· Wyck's business consists of helping, for a fee, computer owners who are in a technical fix.
to be in a very difficult or dangerous situation, when there is very little you can do to get out of it: · A mobile phone lets you reach help when you're in a tight spot.· O'Neill had been in tight corners before, but never as tight as this one.put somebody in a tight spot (=give someone a difficult problem): · Losing his job put them in a tight spot financially.
to have so many problems that there is not much hope that things will get better, especially as a result of past mistakes: · The previous manager had left the restaurant's affairs in a terrible mess.get into a mess: · How did you manage to get into this mess in the first place?somebody's life is a mess (=they have a lot of problems and seem unable to deal with them): · Her boyfriend left her and she lost her job - her life is just a mess at the moment.
to be in a difficult situation because whatever you do, you are likely to offend someone or make things worse: · I was in a difficult position, as I was being asked to confront a man who had much more power than I did.put somebody in a difficult/awkward position: · Clara was angry at Harry for putting her in such an awkward position.
to be in an extremely difficult situation, because whatever you do there will certainly be serious trouble: · I'm in an impossible position -- if I criticize him he may resign, but if I don't he'll end up ruining the whole project.put somebody in an impossible position: · By bringing his objections out into the open, the Chancellor has put the Prime Minister in an impossible position.
to be in a very difficult situation and not be able to decide what is the best thing for you to do: · I was in a quandary - I didn't know whether to tell the police or not.· The government has got itself into a quandary over the new tax -- if they abandon it they will be seen as weak, if they keep it they will be very unpopular.
to have very serious problems, especially financial ones, which could have very serious results: · The company is in dire financial straits.· The team is in such dire straits they've even considered selling their three best players.
spoken say this when you have had a series of problems and you feel that these problems will never end: · It's been one thing after another since I started renting out the place to students.· It's one thing after another with that stupid photocopier! What's wrong with it now?
not false or artificial not false or artificial: · Is that a real diamond?· Are those flowers real or artificial?· People call him Baz, but his real name is Reginald.
real, not just seeming to be real or pretending to be real: · For years people thought the picture was a genuine Van Gogh, but in fact it's a fake.· We need a much faster system for dealing with genuine refugees.· If a student has genuine religious objections to a school activity, they do not have to participate.
authentic food, music, clothes etc are correct for the place or the period in history that they are supposed to be from: · a friendly restaurant offering authentic Greek food· They play music on authentic medieval instruments.· The dancers wore authentic Native American designs.
people or things that are bona fide are really what they say they are, especially when this can be checked by looking at official records, personal papers etc: · This club is only open to bona fide members.· We have to check that he holds a bona fide qualification.· The company can only reimburse bona fide business-related expenses.
not artificial and no made by people: · I prefer natural fibres such as wool and cotton.· His natural hair color is brown.· We only use natural products.
something that is the thing it is meant to be, and not a cheaper or lower quality thing: · Recorded music will never be as good as listening to the real thing.· I'd seen pictures of the painting, but it was very different seeing the real thing.
something such as a car, painting, or piece of furniture or clothing, that really is made, produced, or designed by a famous and admired person or company: · He owns a 1947 Ferrari -- the genuine article.· With paintings it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the genuine article from a good reproduction.
informal something that is real, and not a cheaper, lower quality product: · The moment I smelled the cigar, I knew it was the real McCoy.· The dress had a designer label, but I couldn't tell if it was the real McCoy or a cheap imitation.
something someone says something that you say, for example about what you think or something that you have noticed: · What do you mean by that remark?· I'm fed up with your snide remarks.· Elliot had been accused of making racist remarks.remark about: · I ignored his rude remark about my clothes.remark on: · Some further remarks on this subject will be made in the next chapter.make a remark: · Mr Hill sat down and made a few remarks about the weather.casual/chance remark (=something that you say for no particular reason): · It was just a casual remark - I didn't mean anything by it.
something that you say or write, especially to give an opinion: · OK, that's what we are suggesting - does anyone have any comments?comment on/about: · He made some comment about my dress, then carried on reading his book.· Her comments on interest rates had little impact on financial markets.make a comment: · We were discussing her new movie, and Jill made some interesting comments about it.
: a strange/stupid/horrible etc thing to say a remark that is strange, stupid etc: · What an awful thing to say about your mother!· I know it's a terrible thing to say, but sometimes I wish I'd never been born.
something you say, that people had not thought about or discussed until you mentioned it: point about: · Michael's point about training is an interesting one.good point: · That's a good point, and we should take it into consideration.make a point (=say something in a discussion, which people had not thought of before): · In his speech, Marks made the point that far more people died from smoking tobacco than from taking drugs.
something that someone says or writes publicly in order to tell people what they intend to do, what their opinion is etc: · In a statement, the BBC admitted that it had given incorrect information.make a statement (=say something publicly): · The President will make a statement to the press this afternoon.
a public or official statement telling people what has happened or what will happen: · The announcement was heard by millions of radio listeners this morning.announcement of/about: · I read the announcement of her death in today's paper.make an announcement: · Silence, please. Mr Bennett is about to make an announcement.
an important official statement, especially about what a government or organization intends to do: declaration that: · They issued a declaration that it will be attempting to take over another three British companies.declaration of war/independence/intent etc: · On the 19th of July a declaration of war was delivered in Berlin.
a remark in which you say what you think or have noticed about something: observation that: · The inspector began his report with the observation that the school was a happy place.observation about: · I agree with your observations about the pricing of products.make an observation: · A tour of Washington DC inspired one visitor to make some interesting observations about the gap between the rich and the poor.
something you talk about, write about etc something that is talked about or written about, for example at a meeting, in an article, or in a conversation: · I read a lot of books about astronomy. It's a very interesting subject.· We talked about all sorts of subjects.· Bottle-collecting even has a website devoted to the subject. the subject of crime/politics/animal rights etc (=crime etc as a subject): · Until about 20 years ago, the subject of the environment was hardly discussed.on the subject (of something) (=about a particular subject): · The first book on the subject was published in 1900.· He has very little to say on the subject of the accusations made against him.change the subject (=start talking about something different): · I could see John was embarrassed, so I changed the subject.drop the subject (=to stop talking about something): · This is getting us nowhere. Let's just drop the subject, okay?
what is being talked about, or what a film, book, play etc is about: · There has been no attempt to arrange the books according to subject matter.· Sagan published a book relating to the subject matter in his TV show. · 'The People versus Larry Flynt' was given an '18' certificate because it contains adult subject matter.
a subject that people often discuss or write about, in books, newspapers, at school etc: · The rise of Islam is a popular topic these days.· Type the topic into the search field, and let the browser search all relevant sites.· Dole's absence was the topic of radio talk shows.
especially spoken something that people talk about or think about: · The first thing we have to discuss is the price.· The only thing she ever talks about is her boyfriend.· We talked about the old days and other things.
an important subject that people discuss and argue about: · We'll be looking at a broad range of important issues in this chapter.· Genetic manipulation is a fairly topical issue these days.· a book dealing with environmental issuesissue of: · the issue of drugs in sportsmajor/big/key/main issue (=a very important issue): · Global warming and youth crime are the key issues in the election campaign.
a difficult subject or problem that has often been discussed but still needs to be solved: · The real question here is how can we integrate asylum seekers into communities.· How can we best help less developed countries? That's the really important question.question of: · In the 1980s the question of whether photography was an art went to court.raise a question (=make people consider a problem): · These operations can save lives, but they raise difficult questions about animal rights.
a subject that people disagree about or are concerned about, and that needs to be considered and discussed in order to deal with it: · The matter is being argued and discussed in families up and down the country.· Foreign affairs were not the only matters we discussed.· This meeting is being held to deal with the serious matter of possible racism in our hiring practices.matter of: · The first item on the agenda today is the matter of public transportation.
an important idea that appears several times in a book, film etc, and slowly influences the way it develops: · One of the themes of the book is the relationship between people and nature.· George Eliot shows real concern for religious and moral themes. · The play's central theme is greed and its corrupting effects.
something that needs to be discussed at a business or political meeting: · Right, could we get started please? We've a lot of business to get through this morning.
British in a meeting, subjects that are not on the list of things to discuss, but that people may want to talk about: · Is there any other business before we close the meeting?
too much or too many use this about amounts or costs: · Jim drinks too much.· That kid talks too much.· You spend too much time worrying about things.far/way too much: · I'm sure my parents paid way too much for the land.· The surveys took up far too much time, and they were difficult to understand.too much for: · There was too much baggage for one person to carry.
use this about number of people or things: · I've brought some more chairs - I hope I didn't bring too many.· She can't come - she says she has too many things to do.far/way too many: · Far too many postgraduate students never finish their projects once begun.too many for: · There were too many bags for one person to carry.
formal too much of something: · an excess of alcohol· An excess of fertilizer is harmful to trees and other garden plants.
a situation in which there is too much of a product available at a particular time, which often results in the price of the product being cut: glut of: · A glut of bonds on the market pushed prices down.· When there is a glut of milk more products like yoghurt are made.
if you say that something is too much of a good thing , you mean that it would be good in small amounts but you have too much of it: · Many Koreans believe that the rush of foreign products may be too much of a good thing.· Getting six boxes of chocolates for my birthday was really too much of a good thing.
use this about an amount, cost, or level which is much too high, especially when you think it is wrong or unfair that it is so high: · The campaign is trying to stop the excessive use of chemicals in farming.· $10 for two cups of coffee seems excessive.· As usual, the opposition claims the government is guilty of excessive spending.
formal much more than is reasonable, especially when this is unfair to other people or means that other things are not given enough attention: · Scientists have been criticized for devoting an inordinate amount of time to research on animals.· a man of inordinate ambition
a situation in which something is done so much that it is no longer interesting or effective: · Of course, it's a serious disaster, but some of these sensational newspaper reports are just overkill.· Many felt that the money spent amounted to overkill, and that a cheaper, less glossy advertising campaign would have been just as effective.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 3verbs Ultimately, their ideas amount to the same thing. I’m sure Suzy is dead but the awful thing is not knowing how it happened. Making big changes in your diet all at once is a bad thing to do. It took months for things to calm down after we had the baby. The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. All things considered, I’m sure we made the right decision. The chairman did the decent thing (=did what people thought he ought to) and resigned. Having you here does make things a lot easier for me. What an extraordinary thing to do! The first time I flew on a plane I was really nervous. In the first year, all students take five courses. He said the first thing that came into his head. the first step towards achieving a peace agreement There’s a meeting on the first Monday of every month. Two wins at the start of the season were a foretaste of things to come. If we can’t get any funding we might as well forget the whole thing. People tell me I ran the greatest race of my life, but the funny thing is I can’t remember much about it. I feel very encouraged by the way things are going. The best thing you can do is wait here. Telling my parents is going to be the hardest thing about it. If things get too hot (=a situation becomes too difficult or dangerous to deal with), I can always leave. ‘How are things with you?’ ‘Fine.’ A nice hot bath – just the thing (=exactly the right thing) to relax sore muscles. I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children. My cousin knows a thing or two (=knows a lot) about golf. Anna was the last person to see him alive. The last thing she needed was for me to start crying too. The sun affects all living things (=people, animals, and plants). Now the summer’s here things are looking up! We should like to thank the many people who have written to us offering their support. All that matters is that you are safe. Money was the only thing which mattered to him. Want a game? It might take your mind off things. The plan should boost employment and get things moving in the economy. At the time, accepting his offer had seemed the most natural thing in the world. One of the nice things about Christmas is having all the family together. What she did was unforgivable, but the odd thing was he didn’t seem to mind. He couldn’t bring himself to say what he thought. For one thing, she seldom stopped to listen. For another, he doubted that he could make himself clear. I think she’s onto a real winner with this song. Kelly packed her things before breakfast. He went back to patch things up with his wife. We’ve been through a bit of a bad patch, but things are picking up again now. Artificial flowers can sometimes look better than the real thing. When we first met, neither of us wanted to rush things. Moving house seemed like the sensible thing to do. This new technique is the shape of things to come (=an example of the way things will develop in the future). I left my keys at home, which was a pretty silly thing to do. Dave’s just trying to stir things up because he’s jealous. The strange thing is all four victims had red hair. Jane will keep things ticking over while I’m away. Money was tight and he needed a job badly. The whole thing (=everything about the situation) just makes me sick. It’s time to wind things up – I have a plane to catch. The only thing that worries me is the food. I don’t want to get food poisoning.
· If things went well, we would double our money in five years.· How did things go?
· Things have changed dramatically over the last few years.
· Things appear to be improving.
· As the recession proceeds, things will get worse.
phrases· Measures to slow down traffic on the main street have actually made things worse.
(=at present)· As things stand at the moment, I have no intention of becoming a candidate myself.
(=used to say what happened or was discovered in the end)· Obviously, there had to be some mistake. As things turned out, there was.
(=the present situation)· I’m not at all dissatisfied with the way things are at the moment.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Ultimately, their ideas amount to the same thing. I’m sure Suzy is dead but the awful thing is not knowing how it happened. Making big changes in your diet all at once is a bad thing to do.· The best thing to do is to apologize immediately.
(=dishes, packets etc)· Dad was clearing the breakfast things away.
It took months for things to calm down after we had the baby. The Labour Party won the seat, but it was a close-run thing. All things considered, I’m sure we made the right decision. The chairman did the decent thing (=did what people thought he ought to) and resigned. (=cause problems for someone) She’s doing everything she can to make life difficult for him.
She’s doing everything she can to make life difficult for him.· Now we are able to measure the distances between the planets.
Having you here does make things a lot easier for me. spoken (=used to say that you are completely full)· Thanks, that was lovely, but I couldn’t eat another thing.
informal (=exactly the same thing/way etc)· If you’d been there, you’d have done the exact same thing.
What an extraordinary thing to do! The first time I flew on a plane I was really nervous. In the first year, all students take five courses. He said the first thing that came into his head. the first step towards achieving a peace agreement There’s a meeting on the first Monday of every month. Two wins at the start of the season were a foretaste of things to come. If we can’t get any funding we might as well forget the whole thing. People tell me I ran the greatest race of my life, but the funny thing is I can’t remember much about it. I feel very encouraged by the way things are going. The best thing you can do is wait here. British English She’s gone, and a good thing too.
She’s gone, and a good thing too. Telling my parents is going to be the hardest thing about it. (=used about someone or something that is very good and popular, so that everyone wants them)
If things get too hot (=a situation becomes too difficult or dangerous to deal with), I can always leave. ‘How are things with you?’ ‘Fine.’ (=someone has a false or wrong idea about something)· She’s imagining things if she thinks she has a chance of winning the prize.
A nice hot bath – just the thing (=exactly the right thing) to relax sore muscles.· He usually wears trainers and jeans, that kind of thing.
I don’t know the first thing about (=I know nothing about) looking after children. My cousin knows a thing or two (=knows a lot) about golf. Anna was the last person to see him alive. The last thing she needed was for me to start crying too. (=used to show sympathy) The poor little thing had hurt its wing.
The poor little thing had hurt its wing. The sun affects all living things (=people, animals, and plants). Now the summer’s here things are looking up! We should like to thank the many people who have written to us offering their support. All that matters is that you are safe. Money was the only thing which mattered to him. Want a game? It might take your mind off things. (=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning.
The plan should boost employment and get things moving in the economy. (=get a better job or social position – used humorously) Jeremy’s leaving the company to move on to higher things.
Jeremy’s leaving the company to move on to higher things. At the time, accepting his offer had seemed the most natural thing in the world. One of the nice things about Christmas is having all the family together. What she did was unforgivable, but the odd thing was he didn’t seem to mind. He couldn’t bring himself to say what he thought. For one thing, she seldom stopped to listen. For another, he doubted that he could make himself clear. I think she’s onto a real winner with this song. Kelly packed her things before breakfast. (=not exist anymore, or stop existing)· We hope that smoking will become a thing of the past.
He went back to patch things up with his wife. We’ve been through a bit of a bad patch, but things are picking up again now.· That's not a very positive thing to say.
Artificial flowers can sometimes look better than the real thing. When we first met, neither of us wanted to rush things. (=the sad part of a situation)· The sad thing is that there’s little we can do about the situation now.
· I know it’s a terrible thing to say, but I wish he’d just go away.
(=used when you are going to do something and will deal with problems if they happen) I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how it goes on Sunday.
I don’t know. We’ll just have to see how it goes on Sunday. Moving house seemed like the sensible thing to do. This new technique is the shape of things to come (=an example of the way things will develop in the future). I left my keys at home, which was a pretty silly thing to do.· There are lots of similarities between the two bikes.
(=used to ask what is happening in a situation) Where do things stand in terms of the budget?
Where do things stand in terms of the budget? Dave’s just trying to stir things up because he’s jealous. The strange thing is all four victims had red hair. Jane will keep things ticking over while I’m away. Money was tight and he needed a job badly.· How can he say that it's wrong, and then go and do that very thing himself?
The whole thing (=everything about the situation) just makes me sick. It’s time to wind things up – I have a plane to catch. The only thing that worries me is the food. I don’t want to get food poisoning.· If things go wrong, they’ll blame me.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Political parties have often been attacked as bad things in the body politic.· For these people, that inflation was the worst thing in the world.· Indeed, one of the worst things you can do with anger is suppress it.· She has a way of blocking out most of the bad things in her life.· Which was not an entirely bad thing in itself.· And the worst thing was that I really had little choice but to bow to their wishes.· Even if I could make an impression it'd be the worst thing I could do.· Prolonged cold spells on reasonably full lakes are not a bad thing.
· I like the man who's playing this great big shiny thing like a fog horn.· And if Lutz ever break down and give it to him... he gon na have a big thing.· I drifted off into non-league and he went on to big things at West Ham.· The big thing that hurt us was our giveaways.· There's this man on this big white car thing going round cleaning the floor.· The biggest thing I learned from the experience was that there are people out there that do want to help and care.· A few, like Cliff Michelmore, went on to bigger things.· Two big things happened that meant a lot to me.
· The company own the yacht, we never use the damn thing.· The fact of the matter is that when he was at the Quincy Ledger he hardly wrote a damn thing.· In any case, he told himself with sinking heart, the damn thing would only follow him again.· It works out to about seven cents an issue -- precisely, it turns out, what the damn thing is worth!· But to all who valued Hoover, of course, it couldn't mean a damn thing.· After all, Frank was not a lawyer, and I was the one who had filed the damn thing.· Of course the damn thing wouldn't start and that was the last straw.· The damn thing about the money, though, is that we get paid too much.
· Hasn't it been changed over the years to say different things from what the original writers intended?· They showed him in different poses and doing different things.· The muscles and the contours appeared to do different things, point in different directions.· That may well be, but the border represents different things to different people.· How different things seem with a little light on the subject, I mused.· Intuition and mysticism are two entirely different things, Comrade... ah... uh...· Answer guide: Often budgets will mean different things to differing people in an organization.· The irony, of course, is that the figures mean very different things to academics and to politicians.
· The funny thing was, this was less frightening, even though it was real.· A funny thing happened to Jane Mendelsohn on the way to the best-seller list.· It is one of the funniest things to see.· It does funny little things inside you.· Love's a funny thing, isn't it?· A lot of money can do a lot of funny things to people, not all of which are funny.· Dear Feedback, it is up to the listener to decide how funny things are and not loutish Mr Baker.· However, funny things do happen on the peripheries of the lame story, particularly from the talented supporting cast.
· I hoped the baby would bring out all the good things Alan had the potential to be.· When we succeed, we talk about how good things are today.· You actually see far more than is registered in your conscious mind - and this is probably a good thing.· One of the best things about recommending Napa Ridge wines is that consumers can find them easily.· Perhaps getting away from her for a little while would be the best thing that could happen.· It was ten-thirty before Simon was able to think of another good thing about Tony Angotti.· This came about because insurance is a good thing and having more of it is better, if you can afford it.· Limiting excessive jury awards is a good thing, but this went too far.
· Might not that be the greatest thing?· Pitched in the playoffs and been part of all the great things this team had done.· That's the great thing about having a car.· What a great thing to do!· When I saw the little ones crawling under those great iron things, I was so frightened.· One of the great things about setting a text is that it widens the musical vocabulary greatly.· And the Minister was prepared to predict great things for the candidate should he win.· In addition, a great number of things round about, on every side, are causing what is happening now.
· Then the worst thing in my life happened.· The worse thing for me has been to realize that kind of cruelty exists.· Perhaps that was the worst thing that could happen to a human being.· But it was the worst thing I could have done.· That was the worst thing she could say about anybody alive.· Embarrassed was the worst thing I could have been then, and the worst of it is, I still am.· Metal fatigue has to be one of the worst things that can happen.· At a time when the world is struggling to get out of recession, it is just about the worst thing that could happen.
· You lose, that's the important thing to me.· The important thing was that he was getting out.· I learnt that to love and to be patient are the most important things in the world.· The important thing to remember is that music is not an either / or proposition.· The important thing is to harness growth to self-knowledge, a ready acceptance of change, swift-moving business practice and sound judgement.· In reality, there are probably more important things in life than baseball games.· The important thing about shamans is that they exist in order to bring spiritual power to bear on human pain.
· It's the little things in life really.· They are little things that snowball against the weaker team until the contest becomes no contest.· The witness began to cry, and said they had a quilt and other little things.· I want to tell you a little thing you should always remember.· The poor little things look white and strained and old.· Such solace can be drawn from little things like that breeze-song.· It seems it's the little things that count.· We take the little things serious, and the big ones as a joke.
· The first living things evolved in its absence, and many organisms even today still respire without its aid.· Her brooding sense of unease wouldn't be placated by his explanation. Living things inhabited caves, didn't they?· Simple sieving, on its own, is obviously nowhere near capable of generating the amount of order in a living thing.· This amplification becomes possible once a system is controlled, and is most dramatic in living things.· In the sea, living things fight to keep water out.· The objects need not be living things.· The anatomy of living things is so complex and delicate that they could only have been created by a Supreme Creator.
· At least he knew where he was, and he always found that that was the main thing.· The main thing is the head.· But the main thing is the link with Kahlenbergerdorf.· Still it was appreciated and thats the main thing.· The main thing I've learned from him was how to deal with disaster.· Tic main things to are how to a phrase, how to search on multiple, and how to exclude certain words.· Listen, the main thing is, he's happy.· The main thing was that my intuitions about Alison had been confirmed.
· In terms of the dominant concepts of the age, feudalism appeared as the natural order of things.· Moreover, the most natural thing of all about evolution is that some natures will be pitted against others.· In this way a social contrivance appears to be founded on the natural order of things.· It seems, like the dandelions in spring, to be the natural order of things.· He'd no patience with women putting on airs and moaning about the most natural thing in the world.· In the natural scheme of things, Glover should have expired on the day Johnson was born.· They just happened in the natural order of things.· I have always believed in natural things.
· That was the nice thing about the horses' strange stable: its cathedral-like aloofness from the weather.· I can not say enough nice things about Chandra.· That was the nice thing about it, a straight forward love story.· Besides, loving children says nice things about you, too, as a caring and decent person.· Frankie was a nice little thing actually, when there were no screams coming from that amazing letter box mouth.· One of the nicest things to watch?· Anyway, I want to be able to get nice things for the baby.· Once merely a nice thing to have on a resume, computer literacy is now essential for virtually anyone in the workplace.
· The only thing we know for sure is that shit happens.· The only thing invincible about the Machine is that it gets him elected.· I did the only decent thing I could do.· Their end is often positively tragic, because they eventually realize that business is not the only thing in life.· It was the only thing she could do.· The only things she'd bought herself were the bed and bed-linen.· But geometrical figures are not the only modes, and so are not the only things whose real essences we can know.· Nor are waste dumps the only things being shaken-up.
· The bright chestnut is considered the most characteristic colour and, all other things being equal, the one to be preferred.· The other thing that I remember was that this session was very quick.· But during this autumn of 1962 there were other things on his mind.· He had in those days of innocence seen the Edition as a finite task that would lead on to other things.· Version 1.2 changes that an other things.· The answer was to sell other things in the same style: china, lighting, textiles, rugs and kitchenware.· Broomhead Smith had other things on his mind besides the horse.· This passage, among other things, mocks a woman who reads Locke.
· Papito took her in, poor skinny little thing, and I guess Mamita taught her to cook and iron and clean.· It was true that Penelope was a vicar's sister-in-law, but that was a poorer, meaner thing altogether.· Whack, the sound of the hatchet decapitating the poor thing.· The poor things shrivel up in protest.· What a poor thing you must all think me!· He had had to go out on exercise one night, and was on duty another, poor thing.· All I know is that when I went out this morning I found the poor little thing, run over.
· Voice over It's fairly simple to spot the difference between the real thing and a fake.· Not the real thing, of course, but rather a pandemic of stories about anarchists and conspiracies and such.· Adorno, then, is certainly talking about real things.· We enjoy these tasks for themselves; it is a pleasure to do real things in a real house.· They rarely look anywhere near as good as the real thing, but they will be cheaper, and easier to keep clean.· These artificial neurons bear only a modest resemblance to the real things.· This is the real thing, it has no need for added colour or flavourings.· This teaches the hearer a valuable lesson: dealing in symbols is safe when compared with acting on the real thing.
· As adults we have active consciences which help us do the right thing.· We had not done the right thing when we shot the deer.· She knew the right thing to do would be to leave, and the sooner the better.· They perceive me as very sensitive, eager to do the right thing.· However, I was in no doubt that I had done the right thing by leaving him.· Is it the right thing to do?· She had done the right thing and Robert's note promised friendliness.· In my heart I know I did the right thing.
· Obviously he behaved in a highly suspicious manner today, but a guilty conscience can inspire one to do strange things.· The strange thing is that they are so few.· But the strange thing had happened.· She wrote: But then a strange thing happened in my sleep.· Tourists do strange things on the Granada Studios tour.· At that moment a very strange thing happened.· Then strange things started to happen.
· It's got to be like cuddling up to a cushion as well as doing that terrible, animal thing.· Instinctively we knew that terrible things were going to happen in our elderly aunts peaceful living room.· No wonder she'd lied when so many terrible things had started happening all around her.· It was a terrible thing to contemplate, but all the evidence seemed to support my conclusion.· Tempers cool but the Doctor realises that he said some terrible things to his unwilling passengers.· In a democracy, compromise is not a terrible thing.· The most terrible, awful thing that could have happened.· Sleeping people do all kinds of terrible things to one another.
· There were better things in life, for a young man like him, than plodding round London after a pick-pocket.· Slowly, but with growing momentum, better things begin to happen to Katie.· You would think he had better things to do with his time.· These reasons are your motivating factors that will urge you on to bigger and better things.· As one young male noted: I had better things to do than just sit in an office talking.· I could think of a lot better things to live on but I could also think of worse.· Oh, Milord mustn't lose one precious minute of his time or attention when he has better things to do.· We have better things to worry about.
· To be honest, the whole thing seemed a little suspect.· Erme was the linchpin of the whole thing.· Then a shin guard is pulled over the whole thing.· He was making too much of the whole thing.· They made me go through the whole thing three times, though I had hardly anything to tell them.· I played the whole thing again.· I associated the whole family thing with being older and I was holding on to my youth.· With Brown and Maddux working Game 1, fans better look fast or they might miss the whole thing.
NOUN· This seems to be the way things are heading.· The way things were going, in 20 years, the Republicans would be all-white and the Democrats all-black.· This is the way things are created!· Juno was very well satisfied with the way things were going, but even so Venus was quite undisturbed.· My dad blames my mum for the way things turned out for me.· Conflict is viewed as inevitable and a normal part of the way things get done.· The way things actually happened, with all the side-tracks and misconceptions, makes them doubly remarkable.· And so when a son marries, his family may, with reason, mourn the dissolution of the way things were.
VERB· John would be indignant and angry on my behalf but it would change things if he knew.· But things are changing, Aggie, things are changing.· McCain's win changes many things, both for himself and for Bush.· And if that can change things, so much the better Female speaker He's the little man having a kick.· I used to change my mind about things right in the middle of doing the shit.· It would change all sorts of things.· Just the usual, I guess. Change things.
· She's afraid that the same people who did that to her son will do the same thing to her.· You can do the same thing with the decor, even if it turns you off.· But I realise there are a lot of guys out there trying to do the same thing.· Only on the left do things feel as they should.· The muscles in her legs are just... she has to do this electric stimulation thing.· Ranieri liked to he surrounded by people he could do things for.· I do the same thing on the plane.· Were you what we call an enabler-someone who really makes it possible for an abusive person to do their thing?
· The fastest way to show people that something is happening is to build things.· Acid house has happened, and things you smoke belong to the sixties.· What happens when a thing no longer performs its function?· He could not think what had happened for things to have become so out of hand.
· The local man said he'd never heard of such a thing.· I guess you have heard that thing called payback....· We haven't heard a thing from them.· She is not interested in hearing that all things come to those who wait.· Bernie I hear so many things during the day, I find it impossible to remember which one was the secret one.· There was a time when I heard about good things only.· But out here we have searched and looked and listened - and we have heard things.· From what I hear, things are out of control there enough I almost think I could get away with it.
· I kept doing all the things I'd been taught.· Dunn said the toys have a lot of random events that keep things interesting.· The areas where neighbours would keep an eye on things were Wester Ross and Speyside, both close-knit farming communities.· Aunt Edmonia would be there to keep things in hand.· Women like to keep important things themselves.· In our celebrity-obsessed society, it is nice to see some one keeping things in proportion.· Keep working at it. Keep trying new things.· You have to keep things in perspective and keep your goals in mind.
· I thought the snake thing wanted Lollo.· Right now the last thing she wanted was to have them say it to her.· With household costs inevitably rising, the last thing he wants is a larger mortgage than he can reasonably afford.· This kind of one-upmanship is the very thing that Paul wants to avoid.· He began searching through the house gathering clothes and other things he wanted to take with him.· A child's education - they would teach it things I didn't want it to learn, at school.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► something is just one of those things► just the thing/the very thing► things► it’s a girl/football/music etc thing► it’s one thing to ..., (it’s) another thing to ...,► what with one thing and another► things► there's only one thing for it► taking one thing with anotherPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► set things aright► chance would be a fine thing!► cut it/things fine► cut it/things fine► somebody’s kind of person/thing/place etc► there’s no (such thing as a) free lunch► be neither one thing nor the other► It’s one thing to ... it’s (quite) another to► X number of people/things
1idea/action/feeling/fact [countable] an idea, action, feeling, or fact that someone thinks, does, says, or talks about, or that happens: - I'd love to come, but the thing is, I promised to see Jim tonight.
- I do have a computer, but the thing is, it's really old and I can't use it for email.
- I really don't want to leave yet. The thing is, I have an appointment in 15 minutes.
- The thing is, I'm allergic to seafood.
- The thing is, I have an important exam next week.
- And the thing is still dead easy to use - and cheap.
- And the thing is, that Barry doesn't really want to get on the plane until it's all sorted out.
- And the thing is, the papers played it up like he was wisecracking.
- But then... you came, so I figured... the thing is. the thing is.
- Of course if you and Regina invite her the thing is settled.
- The fun of the thing is watching the interplay between Brooks and Reynolds, who perform together like, well, family.
- When the thing is finished, the group often spins apart.
- I like going to bed with her when going to bed with me is the last thing she wants.
- To be slipshod is to be hounded, which is the last thing he wants.
- With household costs inevitably rising, the last thing he wants is a larger mortgage than he can reasonably afford.
- It was the last thing he ever saw.
- Nobody can get to that last thing.
- Right now the last thing she wanted was to have them say it to her.
- The last thing Ardamal heard as he raced down the corridor was the tinkle of metal parts hitting the floor.
- The last thing I will be is a high-wire walker.
- This is the last thing President Mikhail Gorbachev needs, as he tries to contain a staggering economic crisis.
- When you have a chance to shoot 59, the last thing you want to do is leave it short.
- With household costs inevitably rising, the last thing he wants is a larger mortgage than he can reasonably afford.
- Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
- I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
- In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
- The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
- The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
- The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
- What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
- Among other things, Bradley talked about his days as a senator.
- At the meeting they discussed, among other things, recent events in Eastern Europe.
- Businesses were allowed to pay in equipment and acquired, among other things, a few computers.
- It results from, among other things, voluntary acts of charity, which government more and more supersedes.
- It was called oratory, and dealt with, among other things, logic and the art of persuasion...
- Many nurses were aware of this but feared, among other things, a possible ischaemic element.
- New scientific techniques introduced among other things reliable means of dating the prehistoric past.
- Or pressure groups like the Baby Milk Action Group which, among other things, campaigns against women being pressurised into bottle-feeding.
- Sniping by the president's men has, among other things, forced the foreign minister to resign.
- They will have to enter between three huge cans to see, among other things, more than 150 different tins.
- A higher body count score, for one thing.
- He was responsible for Loredana's death, for one thing.
- The ex-steelworkers, for one thing, have not gone away.
- Their love of wine leads to raised levels of alcoholism, for one thing, which balances out the supposed benefits.
- Well, for one thing she takes her readers and our intellect seriously.
- Well, for one thing, women have a different experience in life.
- Life-long employment with a single company is a thing of the past.
- Otherwise, Tucsonans should merely leave the bees alone, and the scared news stories will probably be things of the past.
- But it's a good thing it happened now..
- I decide it's a good thing that I don't see Sean try to capture Ian's incandescent dance.
- I think it's a good thing.
- So it's a good thing to get one's mind off in one's spare time.
- Still, it's a good thing from the hunt's point of view that new blood is coming along, surely?
- As usual Eva entered into the spirit of the thing with energy and determination.
- I knew all the things about it that are unique.
- Power: that was the thing about magic.
- She had shredded the thing with her hips.
- That was one of the things with black and white, the shadows, the dimension that you can get.
- That was the thing about Alice: she saw my life before I did.
- The strength of our feelings is one of the things about women that most unnerve men.
- Yes, will is the thing with Seve.
- Both snail genes and fluke genes stand to gain from the snail's bodily survival, all other things being equal.
- But all things being equal, most movie makers would like their facts to be right.
- But all other things being equal, the gay and lesbian community has responded well to examples of perceived corporate goodwill.
- It shows the quantities of a product which will be demanded at various prices, all other things being equal.
- Significant improvements in clarity and stereo imaging are amongst the more obvious benefits of such parity, all other things being equal.
- The bright chestnut is considered the most characteristic colour and, all other things being equal, the one to be preferred.
- Jones left his job and became, of all things, a priest.
- After all, in the hallucinogenic world of the militias, the government is the enemy of all things good and true.
- He likens creation to a painter mixing just four pigments to form the likenesses of all things.
- His journey includes an examination of all things.
- One of my mess-mates was killed by a beer barrel, of all things.
- She's the voice of all things that don't get a voice.
- She heard, of all things, a piano.
- That of all things he did not wish responsibility for.
- The meeting promises a veritable smorgasbord of all things otherworldly, this time with a focus on those eerie Phoenix lights.
- As a kid, I wanted to do my own thing, but when I got older I realized I wanted to continue the family business.
- He's given up his job and is living in northern California, just doing his own thing.
- He has a couple of roommates but they kind of all do their own thing.
- The three women worked together on a stage play, and then each went off to do her own thing.
- We don't talk much anymore - we're both too busy doing our own thing.
- But I do know the difficulty the Major has in getting away to do his own things.
- Do you prefer structure in your exercise or to do your own thing? 9.
- I just want to live my own life, go my own way, do my own thing with whom I choose.
- I mean like royalty do, pretend to be married but do their own thing on the quiet.
- Keyboard, mouse and joystick are supported, but every now and then the planes seem to do their own thing!
- Lawrence was of the latter kind: very bright; very competent, and wanted to do his own thing.
- She wanted to be free to do her own thing - be independent - get a job, perhaps.
- You get on and do your own thing, and respect others who do the same.
- All things considered, it's the wrong time for us to start our own business.
- It wasn't the best game I've ever seen. But, all things considered, it wasn't too bad either.
- Andre is a good choice, all things considered.
- Might be the sensible thing to do, all things considered.
- Not bad, all things considered.
- Roots is the title, and not a bad one, all things considered.
- So, all things considered, I think I have done all right, handled my problem as well as it could have been handled.
- Went down well, all things considered.
- I finally realized I could not be all things to all people.
- Andrea felt tremendous pressure to succeed, to continue to be all things to all people.
- Anyway, these compendiums try to be all things to all people.
- For years, the stores had managed to be all things to all people.
- In this sense many of the international firms will try to be all things to all people.
- It is all things to all men ... and this is perhaps its number one axiom.
- No-one is all things to all people, and Anthea is no exception.
- Politicians have to be all things to all people.
- The single truck was all things to all men and women.
- His senses told him he was onto a good thing and his senses were rarely wrong.
- Many directors who take dividends in lieu of salary may think they are onto a good thing.
- Maybe he thought he was onto a good thing.
- Multiply that up by two or three hundred stores, and you will see he was onto a good thing.
- The plots were essentially the same; like any successful entrepreneur, Alger knew when he was onto a good thing.
- They felt they might be onto a good thing.
- It was Arbor Day, and their teacher, Miss Ellis, made a big thing out of it.
- For the great majority, the industrial co-operative is just not the done thing.
- I suppose it was not the done thing for a book of Rambles.
- It being, of course, not the done thing to drop your trousers in public.
- Judith has a thing about people chewing gum.
- But, in this country, we used to have a thing about self-sufficiency.
- But one thing leads to another, and Sister Helen finds herself challenged to put her beliefs on the line.
- I know that and I do understand why, but one thing leads to another, you know how it is.
- You can be sure one thing leads to another.
- Twenty years ago, "Pong" was the latest thing in video games.
- I began to go over the things that needed to be done after he had left for the office.
- It turned illusory even the things on which she had fixed in the attempt to make the strange world real.
- On the other hand, one of the things that marks an emerging market as attractive is access to large markets.
- People have a tendency to forget the things that happened that are good.
- Those are some of the things unions need to do to put the fight back in people.
- Those were the things that seemed real and that she clung to.
- Together they run a store that could have sold Grandma all the things she needed.
- We love the way everyone joins in the spirit of the thing.
- Rick's doing the starving artist thing right now.
- Just one damn thing after another.
- She was merely coping with one thing after another, not achieving.
- Then it was one thing after another, his obese stage, his alcoholic stage.
- All women do things to themselves like that here; cut their wrists, scratch their faces.
- Suppose there were people here who did things to you?
- They didn't even know I could sing, but they said they could do things to my voice.
- Things can get pretty dangerous out in the woods.
- How are things going at work?
- You can put your things over there for now.
- A kitten, of all things.
- He of all people picks his words carefully.
- She heard, of all things, a piano.
- She was a homeless wanderer until tiny Delos alone of all places on earth consented to receive her.
- So, in Missouri, of all places, my Koreanization began.
- The rest of my offences were committed in self-defence, when I found the hands of all People were against me.
- There I was admitted by the butler, of all people.
- William Forsyth began it before he sold out, with the help of John Brown, of all people.
- But that study was highly criticized for poor mammograms, among other things.
- I'd like him to look specifically at Personnel's computing problems among other things. 3.
- It was noticeable, among other things, that she was drinking faster than anybody else.
- Sniping by the president's men has, among other things, forced the foreign minister to resign.
- That could mean, among other things, grouping inmates by race in counseling.
- That meant, among other things, keeping them from making any deal that gave real estate to the Vietminh.
- The industrial revolution, among other things, necessarily produced general literacy.
- You have to give Cronenberg credit for nerve, among other things.
- And that is another matter entirely.
- But for many of us, reading is another thing altogether.
- But the administration that has now begun work in Washington will be another matter altogether.
- Defending a U. S. Senate seat is another matter.
- Indeed it can: but whether the argument would carry any weight is another matter entirely.
- Real art is another matter and, despite recent genuflections towards Rembrandt, a rarity becoming rarer.
- Whether I understood them was another matter.
- Whether they will be allowed to evict their unwelcome, unsavoury, tenants, from belfries and elsewhere, is another matter.
- And another thing! Where's the fifty dollars you owe me?
- Oh, and another thing: Prices will go down, too, as much as three to five bucks per dish.
- If I can't be home for Christmas, this is the next best thing.
- He can't ask them, so he is doing the next best thing.
- I guess they figured calling their game Arnie was the next best thing to having a blockbusting movie title.
- It is the next best thing to crossing the deserts of the world oneself.
- The new switch is the next best thing we could do to moving.
- The room is the next best thing to being outside.
- Video may seem like the next best thing to being there, but electronically mediated interactions are different from real-life meetings.
- We do, however, have the next best thing: a place to go for more information.
- We went to the bookshelves to find the next best thing.
- He needs to go before the public and make a clean breast of it.
- Since you bought the movie tickets and I bought dinner, let's just call it even.
- Exciting Ormskirk made it two wins out of three but it was a close run thing against New Brighton.
- It was a close run thing.
- He hasn't done a damn thing today.
- Mercer was entering into the spirit of things, Bambi also but more coolly.
- All other things being equal, schools where parents are highly involved are more likely to run effectively.
- Both snail genes and fluke genes stand to gain from the snail's bodily survival, all other things being equal.
- But all other things being equal, the gay and lesbian community has responded well to examples of perceived corporate goodwill.
- But all things being equal, most movie makers would like their facts to be right.
- It shows the quantities of a product which will be demanded at various prices, all other things being equal.
- Significant improvements in clarity and stereo imaging are amongst the more obvious benefits of such parity, all other things being equal.
- The bright chestnut is considered the most characteristic colour and, all other things being equal, the one to be preferred.
- Okay people, first things first: does everybody have their safety helmets?
- Anyway, not to worry, first things first.
- He declared that, in this situation, it was a case of first things first.
- I'll call her first thing in the morning.
- I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.
- Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
- Sharon wants that report on her desk first thing tomorrow.
- Double advanced mathematics first thing in the morning.
- I will go to see Ken Hurren first thing tomorrow morning and tell him that Summerchild was working on defence.
- In this case, the first thing to go was his appetite.
- The first thing I saw when my eyes blinked into focus was an ant marching over a small stone.
- The first thing to do is make sure the doors themselves are strong enough.
- The first things that were provided were pubs and working men's clubs.
- What is the last recollection before losing consciousness and the first thing recalled after regaining awareness?
- "Hey, Al, how's it going?" "Fine."
- They've got a good thing going with that little business of theirs.
- When he first invested in the company, he knew he was onto a good thing.
- His senses told him he was onto a good thing and his senses were rarely wrong.
- Many directors who take dividends in lieu of salary may think they are onto a good thing.
- Maybe he thought he was onto a good thing.
- Multiply that up by two or three hundred stores, and you will see he was onto a good thing.
- The plots were essentially the same; like any successful entrepreneur, Alger knew when he was onto a good thing.
- They felt they might be onto a good thing.
- It's a good job you didn't scream.
- It's a good thing I brought my camera.
- It's a good thing you remembered to bring napkins.
- I decide it's a good thing that I don't see Sean try to capture Ian's incandescent dance.
- I think it's a good thing.
- It's a good thing we got here in time, he thought.
- Male speaker It's a good thing for the area.
- Male speaker It's a good thing we check them - we can find any injured birds and help them.
- So it's a good thing to get one's mind off in one's spare time.
- Still, it's a good thing from the hunt's point of view that new blood is coming along, surely?
- It was a tough loss, but these things happen.
- But if neither of these things happen, Labour will be forced to decide whether it is prepared to raise taxes.
- But these things happen at Catalina.
- Every now and again you're going to get exceptional circumstances and these things happen once in a while.
- In the event none of these things happened.
- In the way these things happen, the oppressed are sometimes revealed to have a hold on the oppressors.
- Once in a while these things happen and then you can communicate better.
- Possibly you see a great number of these things happening in your school, or perhaps you see very few.
- When these things happen, death flashes before our eyes.
- Oh, you are there. Good, for a second I thought I was hearing things.
- I thought I was hearing things.
- I am extremely -; oh, a host of things, but not angry any more.
- For large families then was the in-thing, the norm; no woman can graciously accept being barren.
- High boots were the in-thing - sleek and shiny with chunky zips fastened with huge decorative rings or tabs.
- Take a couple of these pills last thing at night to help you get to sleep.
- I agree with that last thing.
- It was the last thing he wanted to do.
- The last thing he said to me last night: I still want that money.
- The last thing Republicans need is a nominee who runs from the Republican House, who is defensive about their agenda.
- The last thing she felt, apart from the pain, was surprise.
- The last thing that I want to do is stray out of order.
- The last thing you need is confusion over that.
- Working is the last thing on their minds.
- Chad's the last person I would ask for advice.
- The last thing we wanted was to go into debt.
- And you were the last person to see her.
- He was the last person a nerve-racked trader wanted to see.
- I already had two children, and the last thing I wanted was a third.
- I know you had a terrible time and the last thing I meant to do was to upset you.
- Kris Johnson will be the last person to wear Marques' No. 54.
- So the last thing I want to do is watch somebody else do it.
- You know, in your heart, it is the last thing that charlatan wants.
- Saving the peace plan is the main thing right now.
- The main thing is to impress Bora and get on the team.
- As for the LeBaron, the main thing in its favour was that the roof came off.
- But the main thing is the link with Kahlenbergerdorf.
- Enjoy them, that's the main thing!
- Listen, the main thing is, he's happy.
- Still it was appreciated and thats the main thing.
- That was the main thing, there was very little money, so we charged everything.
- This thing of being a hero, about the main thing is to know when to die.
- We had all this unused energy, that is the main thing I remember.
- Marriage is the last thing on my mind right now.
- In the nature of things, a shrinking economy means less job security.
- Anyhow, something dreadful in the way of retribution had occurred, in the nature of things.
- But, in the nature of things, old people spend much more time indoors.
- Disputes over authorship are fiercely fought, and in the nature of things, frequently impossible to resolve with finality.
- His extraordinary revenue came, in the nature of things, in irregular bursts, mostly concentrated in his first ten years.
- It was in the nature of things, for time and tide would wait for no man.
- That is in the nature of things.
- A little bit of sleep was the nearest thing to consolation left for people like us.
- Here was perhaps the nearest thing to alchemy that had ever been seen in the field of politics.
- I think she and Phil were the nearest thing to soccer hooligans that canoeing can produce.
- It was the nearest thing to a coherent defence system yet seen at Verdun.
- So let us accept that I am the nearest thing to a father that Nana has available.
- Still, as Jane belonged nowhere, Sussex became the nearest thing to home.
- That and the fact that it lost faith in the nearest thing to a charismatic it had had since Rose Fox.
- The United Nations General Assembly has been called the nearest thing to a world parliament.
- The Cairo Conference was a near thing for her.
- He can't ask them, so he is doing the next best thing.
- I guess they figured calling their game Arnie was the next best thing to having a blockbusting movie title.
- It is the next best thing to crossing the deserts of the world oneself.
- The new switch is the next best thing we could do to moving.
- The room is the next best thing to being outside.
- Video may seem like the next best thing to being there, but electronically mediated interactions are different from real-life meetings.
- We do, however, have the next best thing: a place to go for more information.
- We went to the bookshelves to find the next best thing.
- And the next thing I knew, I was here.
- But the next thing she knew she was crying.
- He slipped something in my wine and the next thing I knew was that we were on the Continent.
- I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, some one was waking me.
- I had hardly dated, and the next thing I knew I was getting married.
- I must have fallen asleep, for the next thing I knew I was woken by the ringing of the telephone.
- I started to run and the next thing I knew I was lying on the kitchen table.
- Lock the doors and turn off the lights last thing at night.
- The soldiers are supposed to polish their shoes last thing at night.
- Empty ashtrays last thing at night, and don't smoke in bed.
- It's the first thing I look at when I wake up, the last thing at night.
- It was after dark; the last thing at night.
- Of course, only in moderate quantities, and generally to be taken last thing at night.
- The only times my father could be found in his room were first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
- The rosary last thing at night.
- This can be carried out last thing at night, once the puppy has been outside to relieve itself.
- Why not set a few moments aside first thing in the morning and last thing at night?
- But they haven't done the obvious thing and abandoned ship.
- I had always loved walking so it seemed the obvious thing to do.
- It would be the obvious thing to do under the circumstances.
- Looking at it from a businessman's point of view, it's the obvious thing to do.
- To drop it as soon as it was ready seemed natural, the obvious thing to do.
- He could play with Orlando any old time.
- If you believed that, then you'd believe any old thing.
- No, of course you can't go. For one thing, you have too much homework to do.
- We can't invite everyone - for one thing, it would cost too much.
- A higher body count score, for one thing.
- He was responsible for Loredana's death, for one thing.
- He was tall, for one thing: tall and athletically built, although there was a laziness about his movements.
- It would be tolerable but for one thing: She shares the space with eight children.
- The ex-steelworkers, for one thing, have not gone away.
- Their love of wine leads to raised levels of alcoholism, for one thing, which balances out the supposed benefits.
- Well, for one thing she takes her readers and our intellect seriously.
- Well, for one thing, women have a different experience in life.
- But the only thing is they are really small.
- I did some um and the only problem is size.
- In fact the only problem is deciding where to start.
- It duplicates perfectly in production, so the only problem is making the first copy.
- Well, no problem with the casting, the only problem is remembering the plot.
- A new physical model of the place of male and female in the order of things had emerged.
- All innovation is a contravention of the order of things.
- An animal which can not be classified defies the order of things.
- But it did seem that something in the order of things had been altered.
- It disturbed the order of things.
- On silent feet, she returned to her duties, mindful of her place in the order of things.
- Will the youngsters and the older newco ers change the order of things?
- And even if it is not significant, it has the potential to be so-which amounts to the same thing.
- And literature will amount to the same thing: all writers are copycats.
- At once she thought: I could have taken two thousand, three - it would come to the same thing.
- Or rather, politics and morality come to the same thing.
- Or they act as if they do, which comes to the same thing.
- Since it formed a halo over the puck, did that amount to the same thing?
- The public purse would not get anything; after all, it all comes to the same thing.
- When electrical currents flow they produce magnetic fields and so it is possible that these two therapies amount to the same thing.
- What I'm doing is unimportant in the big scheme of things, but people find it interesting.
- But the teachers are in charge in the scheme of things proposed here.
- People began to question the role of humans in the scheme of things and there was a resurgence of shallow religious soul-searching.
- Prejudice and bias have no place in the scheme of things.
- She had a place in the scheme of things; she had significance, even importance.
- She wasn't important ... not in the scheme of things, whatever that meant.
- The reassurance that there is a place for all of us in the scheme of things should help a little.
- Dalziel was well known, hailing and being hailed by nearly every second person they passed, it seemed to Pascoe.
- ""Did that man just wave at me?'' ""Of course not, you must be seeing things.''
- I thought I saw Patty arrive. I must be seeing things today.
- And now he was seeing things.
- At only 18, Dundas will be seeing things through young and excited eyes and I wish him the best.
- How Rab sat, his weakened state: his first night out, and he thought to be seeing things.
- I suggest that the mirror has severe distortions, and perhaps Harley is seeing things grossly out of proportion.
- In fact, as Steves eventually came to realize, they were seeing things that often elude travelers who spend far more.
- Oh yes, he was seeing things all right.
- The first time i spotted a puffin I thought I was seeing things.
- Thomas seemed to be seeing things through the wrong end of a telescope.
- Now, I didn't get it because I was the greatest thing since sliced bread.
- His father had not spoken a single word to him, just followed him around the house, not a solitary word.
- Bet you get a cheap thrill out of that sort of thing, don't you?
- Julia Bransby told me all sorts of things at lunch-time.
- Mind you, she's done this sort of thing before.
- They supply those - and filing cabinets and desks and desk chairs and all that sort of thing.
- They were in the Resistance together, that sort of thing.
- This was the sort of thing he could listen to all night.
- What sort of things can our people do in schools?
- Ana was trapped here, though, by the sound of it.
- And all this provided by Summerchild, from the sound of it.
- But by the sound of it your brothers are a hale and hearty pair.
- But then Summerchild didn't know himself to start with, by the sound of it.
- He heard Lee shooting them down, then him whistling. From the sound of it he was still around.
- In the other boat, the priest had started gabbling in Latin - the Dies Irae, by the sound of it.
- Something hissed - steam escaping, from the sound of it.
- You've had a hard day, and by the sound of it not an easy life.
- He says there's no such thing as a citizens arrest.
- Raymond runs the exclusive Manoir aux Quat Saisons in Wheatley, where there's no such thing as a free lunch.
- To the professionals who work with troubled couples, however, there's no such thing as the wronged spouse.
- Elbert cautioned, however, that funding is far from a sure thing.
- Helen has no inhibitions about mixing woods, or making sure things match in style or period.
- In either case, the outcome is pretty much a sure thing.
- Kip was sure things were going to turn out great.
- Our idea was that at last we could have a real go at it, make sure things worked out.
- That gives you an idea of how much of a sure thing Lyubov Klochko turned out to be on Sunday.
- The only sure thing in Iowa is that nothing is sure.
- They wanted instant access, just to make sure things were in place.
- Rolling bream and line bites told me that fish were in the swim.
- When I have a shoal of feeding bream in the swim I can not rest easy.
- As the afternoon wears on, Paul Merton gets into the swing of things.
- But once you get into the swing of it, the anatomy takes care of itself.
- In the evening a fun event will be held to get into the swing of things.
- Let me tell you something - if I catch you kids smoking, you'll be grounded for a whole year at least.
- But no one should underestimate the amount of hard work it would take.
- Don't try and work it out any more.
- Every work it says here is true.
- For the purpose of this work it has two meanings, one musical and one socioeconomic.
- Hard work it was, but good, clean fun.
- He had worked it all out, everything.
- In terms of work it was a real way out for Hereward from his appalling home background.
- In the light of revisionist work it is difficult to treat Nicholas's resistance to liberal reform as a matter of chance or historical accident.
People say things they don’t mean when they are angry. It was a horrible thing to happen. I plan to do all the things I’ve been meaning to do for ages. The first thing to do is to give them food and shelter. That’s a terrible thing to say.do the right/decent/honourable etc thing I kept wondering if I was doing the right thing.this/that/what sort of thing A priest has to arrange funerals, marriages, that sort of thing. Getting more American ideas into British business would be a good thing. ‘I did no such thing,’ he protested. I know a thing or two (=a lot) about dogs. In a democracy, it is no bad thing to be able to compromise (=it is good, even though it may not seem good).2object [countable] an object that you are talking about without saying its name, or whose name you do not know: What’s that red thing? I’ll just switch this thing off. There was a round metal thing on the path.... and things (=and other similar things) The shed is where we keep our tools and things.3clothes/possessions things [plural] especially British English clothes and possessions SYN stuff American Englishsomebody’s things Jim began to unpack his things. I want to sell some of my things, but they aren’t worth much.4equipment things [plural] especially British English the tools, equipment, clothes etc that you need for a particular job, sport etc SYN stuff American Englishsomebody’s writing/school/Christmas etc things I left my swimming things at home. the shed where he kept his gardening things5situation things [plural] life in general and the way it is affecting people: By the end of 1942, things were starting to change. Things could be worse. As things turned out, we didn’t have much time. How are things with you, Sarah?make things easy/difficult/hard She would get angry quickly, which made things difficult for me. We can’t change the way things are.6nothing [singular, uncountable] used as part of a negative statement to mean ‘anything’not a thing I couldn’t find a thing that I wanted to buy. He took his glasses off and couldn’t see a thing. Don’t worry about a thing. There’s no such thing as ghosts (=they do not exist).7person/animal [countable] used to talk to or about a person or animal, when you are describing what they are like or showing sympathy for them: The baby is a nice little thing when he’s not screaming. She was terribly upset, poor thing.8make a comment [countable usually singular] used to say something about a particular part of a situation, person etcthing about The thing about teaching is that it takes more time to prepare than most people realize.the funny/strange/best etc thing The funny thing is, I really enjoyed it, even though I hadn’t expected to. It’s a good thing you saw her before she saw you.9the thing is spoken used when you are going to explain something, give the reason for something, or give an opinion: ‘It sounds like a good idea. Why don’t you invest?’ ‘Well, the thing is, I can’t afford to.’the thing is that The thing is that you can’t always judge your own work.10the last thing somebody wants/expects/needs etc something that someone does not want, expect etc at all: The last thing I want is to upset him. The last thing I should have done was let her move into my house.11last thing British English at the end of a day, afternoon, evening etc: She likes a hot bath last thing at night.12first thing at the beginning of a day, morning, afternoon etc: Jean liked to go for a swim first thing in the morning.13among other things used when you are giving one fact, reason, effect etc but want to suggest that there are many others: The substance is used in the manufacture of cosmetics and drugs, among other things.14for one thing used to give one reason for something: Well, for one thing, it’s too big. He’s not that wonderful. He’s bad-tempered for one thing.15be a thing of the past to no longer exist or happen: Before AIDS, many health care experts believed that large-scale infectious diseases were a thing of the past.16it’s a good thing (that) spoken used to say that it is lucky or good that something has happened: It’s a good thing we brought some food with us.17something is just one of those things used to say that something unpleasant or unlucky cannot be prevented: It wasn’t really the driver’s fault; it was just one of those things.18the thing about/with somebody/something used to say what the problem with someone or something is: The thing about talk shows is that you never know how they will turn out.19all (other) things being equal used to say that something is true in general, but that other things may cause the situation to change: All things being equal, smaller animals need smaller brains.20just the thing/the very thing exactly the thing that you want or that is necessary: A holiday is probably just the thing for you.21of all things used to show that you are surprised or shocked by something that someone has done or said: She gave up a promising career as a stockbroker to become a weaver, of all things.22do your own thing informal to do something in the way that you like instead of copying other people or following strict rules: I just want to live my own life and do my own thing.23it’s a girl/football/music etc thing informal used to say that something involves or affects a particular group of people only: Computer games aren’t just a guy thing.24all things considered when you consider all the parts or events of a situation: All things considered, we had surprisingly few injuries.25be all things to all men/people to try to please or be useful to all of many different groups, often without succeeding: In order to get votes, he tries to be all things to all men.26be onto a good thing informal if you are onto a good thing, you are in a situation that is very helpful, comfortable, or profitable for youthink/know you are onto a good thing Directors who take dividends instead of salary may think they are onto a good thing but could have problems on retirement.27make a big thing of/about/out of something to make something seem more important than it really is: You can apologise without making a big thing out of it.28the done thing British English old-fashioned informal the way of behaving or doing something that is socially acceptable: It is not the done thing for teachers to hit children.29it’s one thing to ..., (it’s) another thing to ..., used to say that doing one thing is very different from doing another thing, especially where the second thing is more difficult, important, or serious: It’s one thing being able to run fast, but quite another to win a marathon.30what with one thing and another British English spoken used to explain that you have had a lot of work, problems, or jobs that you had to do: I’ve been so busy these last few days, what with one thing and another.31have a thing about somebody/something informal to like or dislike someone or something very much, often without a good reason: She’s always had a thing about Peter.32one thing leads to another used to explain how a series of events caused something to happen without giving any details: One thing led to another and, before I knew it, I had invited her family to stay.33the (latest) thing informal something that is popular or fashionable at the moment: When Amelia bought a new car it had to be the latest thing.34(do/try) the ... thing American English spoken used to talk about an activity and everything that is involved with it: Jody tried the college thing but finally dropped out.35there's only one thing for it British English spoken used to say that there is only one action that you can take: There’s only one thing for it. We’ll have to call the police.36one (damn/damned) thing after another used to say that a lot of unpleasant or unlucky things keep happening to you37taking one thing with another British English considering all the facts38do things to somebody to have a strong effect on someone → amount/come to the same thing at same1(4), → the best thing since sliced bread at slice2(4), → first things first at first1(7), → living things at living1(1), → be hearing things at hear(10), → be seeing things at see1(27)COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 3verbsthings go well/badly etc· If things went well, we would double our money in five years.· How did things go?things change· Things have changed dramatically over the last few years.things improve· Things appear to be improving.things get worse· As the recession proceeds, things will get worse.phrasesmake things worse/easier/difficult· Measures to slow down traffic on the main street have actually made things worse.as things stand (=at present)· As things stand at the moment, I have no intention of becoming a candidate myself.as things turned out (=used to say what happened or was discovered in the end)· Obviously, there had to be some mistake. As things turned out, there was.the way things are (=the present situation)· I’m not at all dissatisfied with the way things are at the moment.THESAURUSthing used when you do not need to say the name, or when you do not know the name: · What’s that thing on the kitchen table?· Have you got all your things?something a thing – used when you are not sure what the thing is: · There’s something on your shirt.object especially written a solid thing: · a sharp metal objectitem formal a particular kind of thing, or one of a group of things: · household items· a luxury item· an item of equipment· The items included pieces of old pottery.· You are not allowed to take sharp items onto the plane.article formal a particular kind of thing, or one of a group of things. Article is very formal, and is used especially in the phrase an article of clothing: · They found several articles of clothing in the bushes.· suspicious articles· Each article has a card with it giving more information.artifact (also artefact) formal an object that someone has made, especially one that is very old and has historical value: · The museum has a collection of early Roman artifacts.thingy (also thingamajig/thingamabob) spoken informal a thing – used especially when you cannot remember the name of the thing, but often the other person knows what you are talking about: · Can you pass me the thingy?