fix1 verbfix2 noun
fixfix1 /fɪks/ ●●● S2 W2 verb 
WORD ORIGINfix1
Origin:
1400-1500 Latin fixus, past participle of figere ‘to fasten’VERB TABLE
fix
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | fix |
| he, she, it | fixes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | fixed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have fixed |
| he, she, it | has fixed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had fixed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will fix |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have fixed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am fixing |
| he, she, it | is fixing | |
| you, we, they | are fixing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was fixing |
| you, we, they | were fixing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been fixing |
| he, she, it | has been fixing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been fixing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be fixing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been fixing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Gale waited while Seldon fixed the projector.
- He fixed the lamp to the wall above the bed with a couple of screws.
- He was convicted of fixing college basketball games in the 1950s.
- I'll fix her! Just you wait!
- I'll need to fix the boat before we can go out in it.
- I don't think it's fixed to the ceiling very securely.
- I have to fix lunch now.
- I must get my camera fixed before we go to France.
- I tried to fix them on the door, but they wouldn't stay.
- If you're hungry, I can fix you some scrambled eggs.
- If you ask me, the whole thing was fixed.
- If you want a chance to meet the Senator, I can fix it.
- Interest rates for savings accounts have been fixed at 7% for the rest of the year.
- Let me fix my hair first and then we can go.
- Many people believe that the outcome of wrestling matches are fixed.
- The chairs and tables were fixed to the floor.
- The doctors don't know if they can fix my kneecap.
- The project has finally been approved and they budget has been fixed.
- They disconnected the gas, and fixed the water heater to an outside wall.
- As soon as you've fixed it, drop a note to your boss and tell him what you've done.
- He had hoped to switch from a 8. 25 percent adjustable to a 15-year fixed under 7. 5 percent.
- His father was growing short-tempered as one interview after another proved to be fixed in some one else's favour.
- If the tooth is loosened in its socket, modern dental surgery may be able to fix it to adjacent teeth.
- The roof was to be of copper, and that decision automatically fixed one of the colors.
THESAURUS
to do some work on something that is damaged or not working properly, so that it is in good condition again: · The builders are coming to repair the roof.· Have you had the washing machine repaired yet?
especially American English to repair something: · I’m taking the car in to get it fixed.· The chain on the bike needs fixing.
especially British English to repair something that is damaged, torn, or not working: · I’ve found someone who’ll mend the fence.· Can you mend this sweater for me?· Fishermen sat mending their nets in the sunshine.
to check a vehicle or machine and repair it if necessary, especially regularly: · You should have your car serviced every six months.· When was the last time we had the gas boiler serviced?
to repair an old building so that it looks in good condition again: · They bought an old house and renovated it themselves.
to repair something old and valuable, especially a building, piece of furniture, painting etc, so that it looks the same as it did originally: · Many paintings were damaged in the fire but have now been restored.· The hotel was restored to its original Victorian splendour in 1984.
British English informal, fix up American English informal to repair an old building or vehicle, so that it looks in good condition again: · He does up old cars and sells them.· A builder bought the house and fixed it up.
to quickly repair something that has a hole in it, by putting a piece of material on it, especially temporarily: · They patched up the wall with bits of cement.
to repair holes in clothes: · Are you any good at darning socks?
to arrange to do something to organize or make plans for something such as a meeting, party, or trip: · He had arranged to meet Marcia outside the restaurant.· The company arranges skiing trips.
especially British English spoken to arrange something, especially for someone else: · John had fixed up for me to give a talk.· I’ve fixed an appointment for you at the doctor’s.
(also -ise British English) to make the arrangements for an event, especially a big public event: · They had organized a protest against the war.
(also fix a time/date British English) to arrange for something to happen at a particular time or on a particular day: · Have you set a date for the wedding yet?· We fixed a time for me to visit.
to arrange to stay in a place, go to a theatre, travel on a plane etc: · I’ve booked the flight to Zurich.· He had reserved a table at the restaurant.
to arrange all the details of an event: · Uncle James is making all the funeral arrangements.
to cook something to prepare a meal or food for eating by using heat: · I offered to cook a meal for her.· Cook in a hot oven for 25 minutes.
to make a meal or a particular dish by cooking it or getting all the parts ready: · John was making dinner.· I think I’ll make a salad for lunch.
to make a meal or a particular dish by getting all the parts ready. Prepare is more formal than make: · The children helped to prepare the evening meal.· The dish takes a long time to prepare.
informal to cook a meal or dish quickly using whatever is available: · She soon rustled up a tasty soup.
especially American English to cook or prepare a meal – used about meals you make quickly: · Why don’t you take a nap while I fix dinner?
British English informal to make a particular type of food: · I could do you an omelette.· I was thinking of doing a fish pie when Michael comes.
Longman Language Activatorto arrange to do something or arrange for something to happen to make preparations for a meeting, party, journey etc, for example by choosing a suitable time and place and telling people about it: · Ann's arranging a surprise party for Russell's birthday.· We're going on Friday - it's all arranged.arrange to do something: · They arranged to meet the following day.arrange for somebody to do something: · He arranged for Andi to leave on the next flight home.it is arranged that: · It was arranged that our visitors should stay at a nearby hotel.
also organise British to make preparations for an event, especially a big public event that needs a lot of preparation and planning: · I've been asked to organize this year's Summer Carnival.· an exhibition organised by the local camera club
especially British, spoken to arrange something, especially for someone else, in order to help them or because they cannot arrange it for themselves: fix something/fix up something: · Don't worry, Jean has already fixed everything.· We have done our best to fix up a meeting but they haven't shown any interest.fix something/it/them up: · We need to get all the sales staff together for a conference - could I leave it to you to fix it up, Jane?fix it for somebody to do something: · She can fix it for you to see the show free if you want.
also fix a date/time/place British to arrange for something to happen on a particular date etc: · I'll have my secretary set a date and we'll meet for lunch.· We need to meet with Elaine this afternoon but I'm having trouble fixing a time.
especially British to arrange for something to happen on a particular date or time knowing that the arrangements may have to be changed later: pencil somebody/something/it/her etc in: · I'll pencil you in but we might have to change the meeting to Thursday.pencil in somebody/something: · Let's pencil in the 19th for now, and you get in touch later if you can't make it.pencil somebody/something in for: · Dates for the concerts are pencilled in for late next year.· You can pencil him in for the 8th but I'm afraid I might be out of town that day.
to arrange all the details of an event after you have decided what you are going to do: · Uncle Bill has made all the funeral arrangements.make the arrangements/take care of the arrangements for: · Margot and Paul went up to London to make the arrangements for the wedding.· The marketing people will take care of all the arrangements for the presentation.make arrangements to do something: · I made arrangements to see Alec while he was in town.
to attach one thing to another so that it stays in position to join one thing to another, especially something larger, using glue, string, wires etc to keep it there: · Get your receipt, attach it, and send it in .attach something to something: · A copy of my resumé is attached to this letter.· The doctor will attach a monitor to your stomach so that she can listen to the baby's heart.
to attach one thing to another firmly, but in a way that makes it easy to remove again: · Passengers should keep their seat belts fastened until the warning light is extinguished.fasten something to something: · Christine fastened the brooch to her dress.· Make sure the wires are properly fastened to the unit.fasten something on/around/over etc: · Divers fasten weights around their waists to help them stay under water.· She fastened her broad hat beneath her chin.
British to attach one thing to another so that it will stay permanently in this position, for example by using nails, screws, or strong glue: fix something to something: · He fixed the lamp to the wall above the bed with a couple of screws.· I don't think it's fixed to the ceiling very securely.fix something on something: · I tried to fix them on the door, but they wouldn't stay.
to attach one thing to another using nails: nail something to something: · A large American flag is nailed to the wall above the bed.· The desks in all the classrooms were nailed to the floor.nail something on/together/down etc: · We watched as Dad nailed the fence panels together.· I got a hammer and nailed down the floorboards.· The windows had been nailed shut.
to attach something using a pin , especially to your clothes: pin something to: · He had pinned a red rose to his jacket.· Each delegate wore a name tag pinned to their lapel. pin something on/up/together etc: · One of the straps was pinned in place with two safety pins.· A note was pinned on the door of his office.
to dishonestly arrange the result of a game, election etc to dishonestly arrange the result of something, especially of a sports game, so that it is to your advantage: · He was convicted of fixing college basketball games in the 1950s.· Many people believe that the outcome of wrestling matches are fixed.
if something is rigged , especially a vote or an election, it is dishonestly arranged so that a person or group gets the result they want: · The senator resigned after accusations that the vote had been rigged.· They would never have got into power if the whole thing hadn't been rigged.· Many Labour Party members believed that the ballot to elect a mayoral candidate was rigged.
when someone dishonestly arranges an election or other vote so that they get the result they want: · The MP resigned after charges of fraud and ballot-rigging.
if a player or team throw a game, they deliberately lose it, especially in order to get money: · Joe Jackson was one of eight Chicago White Sox accused of throwing the 1919 World Series.
to cook something to prepare food or a meal by heating it, boiling it, frying it etc: · I'm just too tired to cook after work.· Prick the potatoes with a fork before cooking them.cook lunch/supper/a meal etc: · I usually cook a big meal on Sundays.cook (something) for somebody (=cook a meal for someone): · The last time she cooked a meal for us we really enjoyed it.
to make a meal or dish or type of food, either by cooking it or by preparing it in some other way: · My mother used to make delicious strawberry jam.· I think I'll make fish pie for supper.· I'll make the salad if you'll make the pasta.make lunch/dinner/supper etc: · When I got home, Martin was in the kitchen making lunch.make somebody something: · I'll make you some sandwiches to take with you.
especially British, spoken to cook or prepare a meal: · Sit down and let me get dinner.· Joey was downstairs getting the kids their breakfast.
especially American to make a meal or dish - use this about meals you make quickly, not about big, formal meals: fix breakfast/lunch/dinner etc: · I have to fix lunch now.fix somebody something: · If you're hungry, I can fix you some scrambled eggs.
to make a meal quickly using whatever food you have available: · She managed to rustle up a delicious meal with just a little salad and some eggs.rustle something up: · "I don't think there's any food in the house.'' "Don't worry, I'm sure we can rustle something up.''
written to make a meal, especially something that needs time, effort, or skill: · Prepare a vinaigrette dressing with olive oil, white wine vinegar, and mustard.· Some French dishes take hours to prepare.· Mrs Fujimoto prepared a delicious meal for them.
spoken informal to make a particular kind of food: do something: · I was thinking of doing fish tonight.do somebody something: · I could do you an omelette.
to make an unusual or unpleasant drink, dish, or medicine, by mixing together several different things: concoct something: · For the party, they had concocted a special cocktail containing, among other things, rum and vodka.concoct something out of: · Whenever I had a cold, my grandmother would concoct a remedy out of herbs, ginger, lemons and garlic.
to make a drink by mixing two or more liquids or substances together: · If they sell cocktails would you ask the bartender to mix a Harvey Wallbanger?· You can leave the meal cooking while you mix a drink for your guests.
: put the dinner/potatoes/vegetables etc on to start cooking something: · Can we put the dinner on? I'm starved.· They'll be here soon. You'd better put the steaks on.
if food is on , it is being cooked: · The soup is on, so dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes.· Okay, the chicken is on. What can I do now?
to join two things together with wire, glue etc to join two things together, for example by using glue or a piece of wood or metal: · Join the two pieces of wood using a strong glue.join something together: · Doctors had to use a metal rod to join the two pieces of bone together.· Join the sleeve and the shoulder parts together.
to join one thing to another, so that it stays in position but can be removed later: attach something to something: · It took a couple of minutes to attach the trailer to the back of the truck.· The doctor attached a tiny monitor to the baby's head.be attached to something: · The references and diagrams were attached to the document.
especially British to join one thing firmly to another, using screws, nails, or glue, so that it stays there permanently: be fixed to something: · The chairs and tables were fixed to the floor.fix something to something: · They disconnected the gas, and fixed the water heater to an outside wall.
to fix one thing firmly to another, using string, wire, or tape, in a way that makes it easy to remove later: fasten something to something: · Claire carefully fastened the brooch to her dress.be fastened to something: · Snowflake ornaments and tiny red ribbons were fastened to the Christmas tree.
to join two pieces of equipment together with a wire or a pipe, so that electricity, water, gas etc can pass from one to the other: connect something to something: · Have you connected the speakers to the amplifier?be connected to something: · The scanner is connected to a computer that prints the name and price of each grocery item at the checkout.
to connect two computers, machines, or systems so that electronic signals can pass from one to the other: · The two TV stations are linked by satellite.link something to something: · The college provides technology to all faculty members and students to link them to the Internet.be linked to something: · All the PCs in the office are linked to a main server.
to put a limit on something to stop a number or amount from becoming too large, or stop someone from doing whatever they want: · The new law limits the number of foreign cars that can be imported.· Men hold most of the top jobs, and this limits women's opportunities for promotion.limit somebody/something to something: · Let's limit our discussion to the facts in the report.limit yourself to something: · As you look for material to write about, don't limit yourself to other people's ideas.
to strictly control and limit the size, amount, or range of something: · The law would restrict the sale of handguns.restrict somebody/something to something: · This year's AIDS conference is restricted in size to fewer than 3,000 participants.restrict yourself to something: · McGregor has said he will voluntarily restrict himself to $2.2 million in campaign spending.
to control the size or amount of something, or to control an activity, by deciding what the limits of it will be: set/impose/put a limit on: · Governments should put strict limits on tobacco advertising.· The courts have imposed limits on school officials' power to dismiss teachers.set/impose a limit of something: · The president set a time limit of 6 months for the negotiations to produce an agreement.set/impose a limit: · Parents need to know when to set limits for their children's behavior.
if you keep to or keep within the limits of something, you make yourself stay within those limits: · We need to keep to the schedule if we're going to finish on time.· Keep within the speed limit and you should have no problems.
to keep something within the limits of a particular activity or subject, especially when it is difficult for you to do this: confine somebody/something to something: · Rebel troops have confined their attacks mainly to the southern part of the country.confine yourself to something: · The report confines itself to known and verifiable facts.
to decide on the limit of something, especially something that often changes, and make it stay the same for a long time: · Interest rates for savings accounts have been fixed at 7% for the rest of the year.· The project has finally been approved and the budget has been fixed.
to provide something that is needed if a person or organization provides something, they make it available for someone who needs it or wants it: · Your bank should be able to provide financial advice.provide something for somebody: · Free parking is provided for hotel guests.· The university should provide more facilities for disabled students.provide somebody with something: · The money will be used to provide the school with new computer equipment.
to provide things for people, especially regularly and over a long period of time: supply something to somebody: · The company supplies fish to local shops and restaurants.supply somebody with something: · The US government was accused of supplying the rebels with arms and equipment.
to provide money for a person or organization so that they can do something: · The museum is funded by the local authority.· They suspect that the rebels are being funded by Western governments.
make something available to people if they want or need it, especially something that will be good for them, such as help, advice, or a chance to do something: offer something to somebody: · The booklet offers practical advice to new parents.offer somebody something: · The prison now offers inmates the chance to study and take exams.offer something: · The shelter offers some protection from the icy winds.· Sending goods by road offers greater speed and flexibility.
to provide a person, group, or organization with the things they need for a particular kind of activity or work: equip somebody with something: · Police officers have been equipped with batons and riot shields in preparation for tonight's match.· We try to equip our students with the skills they will need in the world of work.
if an organization or someone in an official position issues equipment, clothes, weapons etc, they provide these things because people need them: issue somebody with something: · Police in Britain are not usually issued with guns.· Visitors are issued with identity cards to wear inside the factory.issue something to somebody: · Blankets and warm clothes will be issued to those who need them.
British to provide things such as food or entertainment, so that they are available when people want them: lay on something: · I've asked the catering manager to lay on refreshments at the meeting.be laid on: · Games and entertainment were laid on in the afternoon.
informal to provide someone with something that they need, especially in an unexpected situation: · Can you fix me up with a bed for the night?· I took the car to a nearby garage, and they managed to fix me up with a new tyre.
to repair something that is broken or damaged if you repair something that is broken or not working properly, you work on it so that it is in good condition again: · Builders spent several weeks repairing the roof.· The plane was too badly damaged to be repaired.get/have something repaired (=pay someone else to repair it): · How much will it cost to have the TV repaired?
to repair a machine or piece of equipment that is broken or not working properly: · I'll need to fix the boat before we can go out in it.get/have something fixed (=pay someone else to fix it): · I must get my camera fixed before we go to France.
to repair something that is broken or not working, or something that has a hole in it. In American English mend is usually used about clothing: · The children are taught to mend their own clothes.· I called a service engineer in to mend the lift.
to repair something that has a hole in quickly and not very thoroughly so that it is good enough to be used again for a short period of time: patch up something: · We managed to patch up the roof enough to stop it leaking.patch something up: · The boat's got a hole in the side, but I'm just going to try and patch it up for now.
to thoroughly examine a machine, vehicle, or piece of equipment and repair it if necessary: · The engine has been overhauled and runs much more smoothly now.completely overhaul: · All the electrical wiring in the house was being completely overhauled because of the risk of fire.
to examine a vehicle or machine, especially at fixed regular times, and repair it if necessary: · All our machinery is serviced regularly.· When was the plane last serviced?have something serviced (=pay someone else to service it): · You should have your car serviced every six months.
WORD SETSabstract, nounacrylic, adjectiveacrylics, nounaltarpiece, nounaquatint, nounbrush, nounbrushwork, nouncanvas, nouncartridge paper, nouncollage, nouncubism, noundiptych, noundrawing, nouneasel, nounetching, nounexecute, verbexecution, nounfauvism, nounfigure, nounfix, verbfixative, nounframe, verbfreehand, adjectivefresco, nounfull face, adjectivegallery, nounglaze, noungouache, nounhalf-length, adjectivehatching, nounhighlight, nounhue, nounicon, nounillustration, nounillustrator, nounimpressionism, nounimpressionist, nounlettering, nounlife, nounline drawing, nounlithograph, nounlithography, nounminiature, nounminiaturist, nounmural, nounoil paint, nounoil painting, nounold master, nounpaintbox, nounpaintbrush, nounpainter, nounpainterly, adjectivepainting, nounpalette, nounpalette knife, nounpanel, nounpastel, nounpastel, adjectivepencil, nounperspective, nounpictogram, nounpigment, nounpointillism, nounportrait, nounportraiture, nounposter paint, nounprimitive, nounretouch, verbrice paper, nounseascape, nounself-portrait, nounshade, nounshade, verbshading, nounshow, verbsit, verbsitting, nounsketch, nounsketch, verbstencil, nounstencil, verbstill life, nounstipple, verbsubject, nounsurrealism, nounsurrealistic, adjectivetempera, nountrace, verbtriptych, nounview, nounwall painting, nounwatercolour, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
I’ll watch the kids and you fix dinner. Terry fixed herself a cold drink and sat out on the balcony. Hold on. Let me just fix my face (=put on make-up) before we go out.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a homeless person with no fixed abode (=no permanent home)
I’ll watch the kids and you fix dinner. Terry fixed herself a cold drink and sat out on the balcony. Hold on. Let me just fix my face (=put on make-up) before we go out. a homeless person with no fixed abode (=no permanent home) (=having no permanent home – used especially in news reports)· a 25-year-old man of no fixed address
· Our clients usually have a fixed budget.
· There’s a fixed charge for having a dental check.
(=decide the date when something will happen)· They haven’t set a date for the election yet.
(=a fee that is the same in every case)· You pay a flat fee for all the services that are provided.
(=look at someone or something continuously)· He fixed his gaze on the wall behind her.
(=keep looking at someone or something)· I kept my gaze fixed on the television and didn’t look at him as he left the room.
(=put a little more make-up on after some has come off)· She went into the bathroom to touch up her makeup.
informal especially American English (=make a meal)
(=when the cook decides which dishes will be served to you, rather than you choosing for yourself)· Dinner is three courses from a set menu.
(=one that does not change)· These incidents followed a set pattern.
(=that will not be changed)· A tourist visa allows you to stay for a fixed period.
(=decide on it, sometimes illegally with others)· Publishers are not permitted to fix prices with one another.
(=one that does not change)· Profits were taxed at a flat rate of 45 percent.
· The rent is fixed for three years.
(=one that solves a problem for a short time only)· He has accused the government of looking for quick-fix solutions.
literary (=stare at someone)· He fixed her with a cool stare.
(=with your eyes not moving at all)· His unwavering stare was making me feel pretty uneasy.
· The contract was for a fixed term of five years.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· A child presented with a visual stimulus tends to center or fix attention on a limited perceptual aspect of the stimulus.
· The body in its shroud of ice stayed fixed to the rock face.· He pulled cautiously on my coat, his eyes fixed on my face.· It felt as if it was fixed on my face for ever.· Terry was in the bathroom, fixing her face.
· Interest on loans is fixed by law at a maximum 1% a month, a true rate of 12.68%.· In my group the boundaries are fixed in law.· Important consequences attend the fact that the composition, powers and procedures of the Cabinet are not fixed by law.· I think everything can be fixed by a law.
· He fixed his mind deliberately on the question, not letting it wander.· In 1998 Brown started plotting the route to the next election, fixed already in his mind as May 2001.· Before leaving the chamber, Mungo turned back to take in the scene; to fix it in his mind.· He had them all fixed in his mind.· The only evenings I can recall are fixed in my mind precisely because they are different from all the others.· As he journeyed home in the early-morning gloom, he tried to fix it in his mind with words.
· It took me two days to fix all the problems with that coach.· Lei Feng is under a truck fixing a mechanical problem.· The problem-solving sessions began to generate ideas for fixing problems such as water leaks and glass breakage.· So, you should be able to fix this problem at either end - either adjust the software or the printer.· Some also fear that efforts to fix the problem will just create more troublesome models.· Such upgrades generally fix problems and add on a few minor features.· He said engineers are working overtime to fix the problems.
· Lower yields on fixed income securities make equities more attractive than money market instruments for many investors, analysts said.· Two retiring Republican senators warned their fellow lawmakers Tuesday that they need to fix the Social Security system before it goes broke.· In 1975, fixed commissions on securities transactions were abolished.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► fix somebody with a stare/glare/look etcPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► if it ain't broke, don't fix it► all eyes are on/watching/fixed on etc
1- I gulped, and fixed my eyes on the blood-red pen on the desk.
- She fixed her eyes on Mr Hollins's face and waited for his answer.
- She fixed her eyes on the jagged line of rocks to which she had to climb.
- She fixed her eyes on the street in an attempt to calm herself.
- She couldn't turn round so she fixed her eyes on her two brothers on the altar.
- I'm fixing to go to the store. Do you need anything?
- He was fixing to get rid of the first one in the divorce courts.
- Before fixing a date do some research.
- Employers generally fix a time limit on the payment of these allowances.
- He added that while Yeltsin is breathing somewhat easier than he had been, there is no fixed date for his discharge.
- She said she loved him, they said they loved him, but somehow nobody would fix a date for a marriage.
- The court will either grant the request on written application or fix a date for hearing.
- The court will then fix a date for consideration and serve notice on the applicant.
- The court will usually fix a time limit for service when making directions and this must be complied with.
- They fixed a date for the weekend and he kissed her goodbye.
- A quick fix clearly becomes unfixed.
- Exercise is usually the best quick fix.
- I do not believe that there is a quick fix for the coal industry.
- It is better to strive for slow and gradual, but substantial, progress than a quick fix that may be ephemeral.
- More often, we opted for the quick fix or the solution offered by the management guru of the month.
- There are no quick fixes that enable work-inhibited students to become academically competent.
- There will be no quick fix for the San Francisco Giants.
- This, therefore, is a quick fix Bill.
repair [transitive] to repair something that is broken or not working properly: He’s outside fixing the brakes on the car. Ellis was able to quickly find and fix the problem.► see thesaurus at repair2limit [transitive] a)to decide on a limit for something, especially prices, costs etc, so that they do not change SYN setfix something at something The interest rate has been fixed at 6.5%. Rent was fixed at $1,750 per month. b)if two or more companies fix the price for a particular product or service, they secretly agree on the price they will charge for it, in order to keep the price high and make more profit. This practice is illegal: The government accused the two companies of fixing petrol prices.3fix a time/date/place etc to decide on a particular time etc when something will happen: Have you fixed a date for the wedding yet?4arrange (also fix up) [intransitive, transitive] spoken to make arrangements for something: ‘So when do I get to meet them?’ ‘Tomorrow, if I can fix it.’fix (it) for somebody to do something I’ve fixed for you to see him this afternoon at four.5attach [transitive] to attach something firmly to something else, so that it stays there permanentlyfix something to/on something The shelves should be fixed to the wall with screws.6prepare food [transitive] informal especially American English to prepare a meal or drinks SYN get: I’ll watch the kids and you fix dinner.fix somebody something Can I fix you a snack? Terry fixed herself a cold drink and sat out on the balcony.► see thesaurus at cook7solve [transitive] to find a solution to a problem or bad situation: The government seems confident that environmental problems can be fixed.8fix your attention/eyes/mind etc on somebody/something to think about or look at someone or something carefully: Aziz tried to fix his mind on the job at hand. Every eye was fixed on the new girl.9fix somebody with a stare/glare/look etc literary to look directly at someone for a long time: Rachel fixed him with an icy stare.10hair/face [transitive] especially American English to make your hair or make-up look neat and attractive: Who fixed your hair for the wedding? Hold on. Let me just fix my face (=put on make-up) before we go out.11cat/dog [transitive] American English informal to do a medical operation on a cat or dog so that it cannot have babies SYN neuter12result [transitive] to arrange an election, game etc dishonestly, so that you get the result you want: Many suspected that the deal had been fixed in advance.13paintings/photographs [transitive] technical to use a chemical process on paintings, photographs etc that makes the colours or images permanent14punish [transitive] informal used to say that you will punish someone you are angry with: If anybody did that to me, I’d fix him good.15be fixing to do something American English spoken to be preparing to do something – used in some parts of the US: I’m fixing to go to the store. Do you need anything?fix on somebody/something phrasal verb to choose a suitable thing or person, especially after thinking about it carefully: We’ve finally fixed on a place to have the concert.fix somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb1to arrange a meeting, event etc: I fixed up an interview with him. We’ll have to fix up a time to meet.2to decorate or repair a room or building SYN do up: We fixed up the guest bedroom before he came to stay.3to provide someone with something they wantfix up with Can you fix me up with a bed for the night?4to find a suitable romantic partner for someonefix up with I asked my best friend to fix me up with someone.fix1 verbfix2 noun
fixfix2 noun EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I need to have my coffee fix in the morning before I speak to anyone.
- Supporters of the losing team protested that the whole thing was a fix.
- The election was a fix!
- The streets are filled with drug addicts looking for a fix.
- And there are even a couple of fixes that failed.
- His was a never-ending search for a fix.
- Nor is a quick monetary fix available.
- Oh, the fix, the fix!
- One technological fix for this problem is to fit carousels on to the welding machines.
- Some one is trying to put the fix on him - whoever they are they're not getting help from me.
- This book assesses the technological fix for the muddle left by downsizing and reengineering.
- With luck, one could hope to get a longitude fix once a year by this technique.
Longman Language Activatorto 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?
WORD SETSacid, nounaddict, nounaddicted, adjectiveaddiction, nounaddictive, adjectiveamphetamine, nounbong, nouncannabis, nounclean, adjectivecocaine, nouncoke, nouncold turkey, nouncontrolled substance, nouncrack, nouncut, verbdeal, verbdealer, noundesigner drug, noundetox, noundetoxification, noundope, noundope, verbdopehead, noundowner, noundrug, noundrug addict, noundrug baron, noundrug czar, noundrug dealer, noundruggie, noundrug rehabilitation, noundrug runner, nounecstasy, nounfix, nounganja, noungear, nounglue-sniffing, noungrass, nounhallucinogen, nounhallucinogenic, adjectivehard, adjectivehard drugs, nounhash, nounhashish, nounhemp, nounheroin, nounhigh, adjectivehigh, nounhippie, nounhit, nounjoint, nounjunkie, nounline, nounLSD, nounmagic mushroom, nounmainline, verbmarijuana, nounmescaline, nounmethadone, nounmule, nounnarc, nounnarcotic, adjectiveneedle, nounOD, verbopiate, nounopium, nounoverdose, nounpeddler, nounpep pill, nounpot, nounpsychedelic, adjectivepush, verbpusher, nounrecovery program, nounreefer, nounrehab, nounroach, nounscore, verbshooting gallery, nounsmack, nounsmoke, nounsniff, verbsnort, verbsnort, nounsnow, nounsoft drug, nounsolvent abuse, nounspeed, nounstash, nounsteroid, nounstoned, adjectivestrung-out, adjectivesubstance abuse, nountab, nountake, verbtrafficking, nountrip, nountrip, verbuse, verbwasted, adjectiveweed, nounwithdrawal, nounwithdrawal symptoms, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Robinson called the proposal a quick fix (=a temporary or easy solution) of limited value.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES a homeless person with no fixed abode (=no permanent home)
Robinson called the proposal a quick fix (=a temporary or easy solution) of limited value. a homeless person with no fixed abode (=no permanent home) (=having no permanent home – used especially in news reports)· a 25-year-old man of no fixed address
· Our clients usually have a fixed budget.
· There’s a fixed charge for having a dental check.
(=decide the date when something will happen)· They haven’t set a date for the election yet.
(=a fee that is the same in every case)· You pay a flat fee for all the services that are provided.
(=look at someone or something continuously)· He fixed his gaze on the wall behind her.
(=keep looking at someone or something)· I kept my gaze fixed on the television and didn’t look at him as he left the room.
(=put a little more make-up on after some has come off)· She went into the bathroom to touch up her makeup.
informal especially American English (=make a meal)
(=when the cook decides which dishes will be served to you, rather than you choosing for yourself)· Dinner is three courses from a set menu.
(=one that does not change)· These incidents followed a set pattern.
(=that will not be changed)· A tourist visa allows you to stay for a fixed period.
(=decide on it, sometimes illegally with others)· Publishers are not permitted to fix prices with one another.
(=one that does not change)· Profits were taxed at a flat rate of 45 percent.
· The rent is fixed for three years.
(=one that solves a problem for a short time only)· He has accused the government of looking for quick-fix solutions.
literary (=stare at someone)· He fixed her with a cool stare.
(=with your eyes not moving at all)· His unwavering stare was making me feel pretty uneasy.
· The contract was for a fixed term of five years.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Because that will take time, there can be no quick fix for public spending.· Certainly, the best of them follow practices that are more customized art and skill than they are prepackaged quick fixes.· Nor is a quick monetary fix available.· More often, we opted for the quick fix or the solution offered by the management guru of the month.· It is better to strive for slow and gradual, but substantial, progress than a quick fix that may be ephemeral.· There is no quick fix, no cheap alternative.· Exercise is usually the best quick fix.
VERB· I needed a fix more than I ever thought that I could.· He was pretty desperate that night, because he was out of cash and needed his fix.· Right now, she needed a fix.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► if it ain't broke, don't fix it► all eyes are on/watching/fixed on etc
1[countable] something that solves a problem: - Because of its weight, it was used almost exclusively as a defensive weapon in a fixed position.
- Her belief in the promised afterlife, in a fixed system of rewards and punishments, was great.
- In the Odyssey the constellations already have value for sailors in fixing localities and marking the time of night.
- She was having difficulty in fixing a chain to Dulcie's collar.
- She was involved, she said, in fixing up tours for VIPs and high-powered executives.
- The legislation placed two groups in a fix.
- Topping believes Flexibots will have the kind of precision normally restricted to factory robots working in fixed, predictable environments.
- Have you managed to get a fix on the plane's position?
- I sat there, trying to get a fix on the situation.
- Another way to get a fix on people is to identify their heroes.
- He tried to get a fix on it.
- I sat and stared at him for a while, trying to get a fix on the situation.
- It may be a little harder to get a fix on calcium.
- A quick fix clearly becomes unfixed.
- Exercise is usually the best quick fix.
- I do not believe that there is a quick fix for the coal industry.
- It is better to strive for slow and gradual, but substantial, progress than a quick fix that may be ephemeral.
- More often, we opted for the quick fix or the solution offered by the management guru of the month.
- There are no quick fixes that enable work-inhibited students to become academically competent.
- There will be no quick fix for the San Francisco Giants.
- This, therefore, is a quick fix Bill.
Robinson called the proposal a quick fix (=a temporary or easy solution) of limited value.2 (be) in a fix to have a problem that is difficult to solve SYN (be) in a mess: We’re going to be in a real fix if we miss that bus. That’s put us in a fix.3[singular] an amount of something, especially an illegal drug such as heroin, that you often use and badly want: addicts looking for a fix I need my fix of caffeine in the morning or I can’t think.4get a fix on somebody/something a)to find out exactly where someone or something is: He peered out, trying to get a fix on the enemy’s position. b)to understand what someone or something is really like: I couldn’t seem to get a fix on the situation.5[singular] something that has been dishonestly arranged: People think the election was a fix.