whatwhat /wɒt $ wɑːt, wʌt/ ●●● S1 W1 pronoun, determiner, predeterminer 
What are you doing? What subjects did you enjoy most? What colour is the new carpet? What’s your new boss like? What do you think of my painting? What do you mean, you want to spend Christmas alone?what on earth/in the world/in heaven’s name etc (=used for emphasis when you are surprised, angry etc) What on earth’s going on?USAGE: What, whichWhen there are only a small number of possible things or people, you use which, not what: · Which leg did he break?· Which brother do you mean? ✗Don’t say: What leg did he break? | What brother do you mean?2used to introduce a clause about something that is or was not known or not certain: No one knows exactly what happened. It is not clear to what extent these views were shared.what to do/say/expect etc They’re discussing what to do next.3the thing which: Show me what you bought. I believe what he told me. I could get you a job here if that’s what you want. What he did was morally wrong. She gave him what money she had (=all the money she had, although she did not have much).GRAMMARWhat is not a relative pronoun and should not be used to begin a clause after a noun or pronoun. Use that instead. You say: · There are so many things that can go wrong. ✗Don’t say: There are so many things what can go wrong.4used at the beginning of a statement to emphasize what you are going to say: What that kid needs is some love and affection. What we’ll do is leave a note for Mum to tell her we won’t be back till late. What matters is the British people and British jobs.SPOKEN PHRASES5what? a)used to ask someone to repeat something they have just said because you did not hear it properly: ‘Could you turn the music down a bit?’ ‘What?’ b)used when you have heard someone calling to you and you are asking them what they want: ‘Elaine!’ ‘What?’ ‘Come on!’ c)used to show that you are surprised or shocked by something that someone has just said: ‘I think I’ve lost my passport.’ ‘What?’6used at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize that you think something or someone is very good, very bad etc: What a lovely day! What a horrible thing to do! What nice people they are!7used to ask someone to complete a name when they have only given you the first part of it: ‘Do you know his name?’ ‘It’s David.’ ‘David what?’8what about ...? a)used to make a suggestion: What about dinner at my place next week?what about doing something What about going to a movie? b) (also what of ...? formal) used to introduce a new subject into a conversation, or to mention something or someone else that also needs to be considered: What about Patrick? What’s he doing nowadays? What about me? Aren’t I coming too? So that’s the food – now what about the wine? And what of her other job? How is that progressing?9what (...) for? a)used to ask why someone does something: ‘She’s decided to work part-time.’ ‘What for?’ What did you do that for? b)used to ask what purpose or use something has: What’s this gadget for?10used to give yourself time to think before guessing a number or amount: You’re looking at, what, about £4,000 for a decent second-hand car.11 what’s his/her/its name (also what d'you call him/her/it, what's his/her face) used when talking about a person or thing whose name you cannot immediately remember: The hospital have just got a, what d'you call it, er ... a scanner. Is what’s his name still working there?12 (and) what’s more used when adding information that emphasizes what you are saying: Gas is a very efficient fuel. And what’s more, it’s clean.13what’s what the real facts about a situation that are important to know: She’s been working here long enough to know what’s what.14what’s it to you? used to tell someone angrily that something does not concern them: That’s right, I didn’t pass. What’s it to you, anyway? ‘How did he die?’ Suddenly Emily was angry. ‘What’s it to you?’15 ... or what a)used at the end of a question to show that you are impatient with someone or something: Are you afraid of him, or what? Is that work going to be finished by Friday, or what? b)used after mentioning one or more possibilities to show that you are not certain about something: I don’t know whether it was an accident or on purpose or what. c)used after a description of someone or something to emphasize it: Nearby are the remains of a deserted village. Spooky or what? Is that madness or what?16 so what? (also what of it?) used to say that you do not care about something or think it is important: ‘Your room looks a real mess, Tracey.’ ‘So what?’ ‘But, Paul, she’s so much older than you.’ ‘What of it?’17you what? a) British English used to ask someone to repeat something they have just said. It is more polite to say pardon: ‘I want to tell you something.’ ‘You what? I can’t hear what you’re saying.’ b)used to show that you are surprised: ‘So I resigned.’ ‘You what?’18what if ...? a)used to ask what you should do or what the result will be if something happens, especially something unpleasant: What if this plan of yours fails, what then? ‘What if it rains tomorrow?’ ‘We’ll just have to postpone it.’ b)used to make a suggestion: What if we moved the sofa over here? Would that look better?19 ... and what have you used at the end of a list of things to mean other things of a similar kind: The shelves were crammed with books, documents, and what have you.20what with something used to introduce a list of reasons that have made something happen or made someone feel in a particular way: She couldn’t get to sleep, what with all the shooting and shouting.21what’s with somebody? American English used to ask why a person or group of people is behaving strangely: What’s with you people?22what’s with something? American English used to ask the reason for something: What’s with all the sad faces?23 now what? used to ask what is going to happen next, what you should do etc24what's not to like/love? especially American English used to say that something has no bad qualities or features: What's not to like about this book? → what does it matter? at matter2(3), → what does somebody care at care2(6), → have what it takes at take1(4), → I/I’ll tell you what at tell(13), → guess what at guess1(6)
WORD ORIGINwhat
Origin:
Old English hwætEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- What a mean thing to say!
- What are you doing?
- What did you say?
- What I need is a nice hot bath.
- What kind of dog is that?
- What nice weather we're having!
- I'm not sure what I can do to help you.
- Let me see what you've got in the box.
- She gave him what money she had.
- They're discussing what to do next.
Longman Language Activatorsomeone's character
the combination of qualities that makes someone a particular kind of person, for example a good or bad, honest or dishonest person: · Her behavior last night revealed a lot about her character.· A candidate's character and qualifications are more important than past experience.· What strikes me most about Hamlet is his noble character.
someone's character - use this especially about how someone behaves towards other people, for example whether they are friendly or unfriendly, confident or easily frightened etc: · It's true he can be emotional at times but that's just part of his personality.· This election should be about issues and policies, not about the personalities of the candidates!friendly/nice/warm etc personality: · Yun has a lovely, warm personality.
someone's character - use this especially to say whether someone is naturally good or bad, gentle or severe etc: · Kindness and sympathy were in his nature.· My girlfriend has a rather unforgiving nature so I don't think that I'll tell her.· She was surprised to learn he had a romantic side to his nature.by nature (=use this when saying what someone's usual character is): · She's generous by nature.· I am not by nature a violent man, but these insults were more than I could bear.it's not in somebody's nature: · It was not in his nature to take risks.
the emotional part of someone's character, especially how likely they are to become angry, happy, sad etc: · His calm, quiet temperament made him popular with his colleagues.· My father and I got along very well, having very similar temperaments.the right temperament: · I'm not sure if she has the right temperament for the job.
formal a character that makes it likely that you will behave nervously, jealously etc: · This program may not be suitable for people with a nervous disposition.be of a nervous/jealous etc disposition: · He's considerate and sweet-tempered but of a very nervous disposition.have a nervous/jealous etc disposition: · Sue had a sunny disposition and a warm smile.
British /makeup American someone's character - use this especially to say that someone's character is completely fixed and they cannot change it or control it: · It's not in their make-up to accept defeat.· Her constant attempts to justify her actions tell the reader a lot about her emotional make-up.· This behaviour is part of our genetic make-up rather than our cultural conditioning.be part of somebody's make-up: · Stubbornness has always been a significant part of his makeup.
informal if you know what makes someone tick , you understand their character, desires, and what makes them behave in the way they do: · After working with him for five years, I still don't know what makes him tick.· As a teacher, you need to get to know your students, find out what makes them tick.
to control people or to control what happens to make things happen or make people behave in the way that you want, by using your authority, skill, money etc: · Miss Weston is having difficulty controlling the children in that class.· The area is now controlled by rebels.· The head of department controls the budget.· Oloco is a huge company, controlling over half the world's oil trade.
the ability or power to make things happen or make people behave in the way that you want: have control: · Heads of department can make some decisions, but the chairman has overall control within the company.control over: · They seem to have no control over their children.control of: · Who has control of the budget?
to control a situation, organization, country etc - use this especially about someone who got their power by using force or by clever planning, but not by being elected: · The President has been arrested, and the rebel forces are now in control.be in control of: · Mr Howard questioned whether the police were still in control of the situation.
spoken used to say that someone has the power to make all the decisions and tell other people what to do: · Mrs Earnshaw is in charge, and what she says, goes.
informal to control a situation so that everyone else has to do what you say, agree with you etc: · It's definitely my mother who calls the shots in my family.· It's always been our policy that the customer should call the tune.
British /be in the driver's seat American informal to have more power than anyone else in a particular organization or situation, so that you control everything: · The Conservatives say they are looking forward to the election, and are confident that they will soon be back in the driving seat.be firmly in the driving seat: · This is how the government is now made up, with the Socialists firmly in the driving seat.
if you say someone is the boss within a family or group, you mean they have the most power over the other people in it: · You'd better ask Mom -- she's the boss around here.show somebody who's boss (=show them that you are in control): · He gave the dog a slap round the head, just to show him who was boss.
informal to be the person who has most power in a relationship - use this especially to say that the woman in a relationship controls the man: · I think you should talk to Pat - she's the one who wears the trousers in that household.
if you keep people in check , you control their behaviour, especially so that they cannot behave badly; if you keep a situation, especially a bad one, in check , you stop it developing any further: · The court heard that the general was unable to keep his troops in check.· The disease is held in check by weekly injections of a power drug.
to describe someone or something to talk or write about a person, place, event etc, saying what they are like and giving details about them: · Could you try and describe the man you saw?· In her book, she describes her journey across the Sahara.describe somebody/something as: · Police described the attack as particularly violent.describe somebody/something to somebody: · I tried to describe the feeling to my doctor, but she didn't understand.describe how/what: · It's difficult to describe how I felt.
to describe someone or something, especially by giving details about what they look like: · King gave a detailed description of a dark-haired muscular man to police.· The brochure gives a general description of the island and some of the things you can do there.
to describe something that you have seen or experienced by talking to people about it: · Grandma always talks about the way they used to live on the farm.· You should talk about your problems with someone - maybe they can help you.
to describe a person, place, event, situation etc by writing about it: · Have the children write about what they did last summer.· Purcell wrote about his son's illness for a popular magazine.
spoken use this when you are asking someone to describe someone or something to you or when you are describing someone or something to them: · "I've just met Anna's new boyfriend." "What's he like?"· I'll try and explain to you what being in prison was like.
to describe something that happened, giving only the facts and not adding your own feelings or opinions: · Please give a brief account of your previous work experience.· The second witness gave a similar account of what happened.
written to describe an event, situation etc, especially as though it was a story, in order to make it sound more exciting or impressive: · Many of the prisoners have told of the terrible conditions they were kept in and how they were beaten.tell somebody of: · In the evenings Morris would tell us of his youth spent in Europe.
ways of asking what someone is doing spoken · What are you two doing?· He's been in the yard a long time - what's he doing out there?
spoken say this when you think someone is secretly doing something bad: · You look guilty, Stuart. What have you been up to?· They've been locked in there all morning - what are they up to?
British spoken say this when you are angry and think someone has done something wrong or stupid: · She shouldn't have told him what I said. What was she playing at?· You boys! What on earth do you think you're playing at? Stop it at once!
when you do not care about something because it is not important to you if you don't care about something, it is not important to you: · "What do you think I should do?" "I don't care. Do what you want."not care what/whether/if etc: · I like George, and I don't care what anyone else thinks about him.· I don't care what my parents say - I am going to the party.not care about: · She doesn't care about anything except money.
informal to not care at all about something: · The politicians are making a big deal out of the issue, but most voters couldn't care less.couldn't care less about: · Shelley couldn't care less about what other people thought of her.couldn't care less whether/if: · To be perfectly honest with you, I couldn't care less whether he comes or not.
spoken to not care at all about something - use this when you are very annoyed with someone or something: not give a damn about: · You're so selfish. You don't give a damn about anyone except for yourself.not give a damn what/who/why etc: · I don't really give a damn what the press says.
to no longer care about something that you were worried about for a long time, because you realize that the situation cannot be changed: · I used to worry a lot about my weight when I was young, but now I'm past caring.· The company wrote and apologized for their mistake, but by then Sarah was past caring.
spoken say this when you do not care at all what someone does or what happens to them, especially when you are annoyed with them: · I don't want to hear any more about her. She can drop dead for all I care.
spoken informal say this when you do not care about something, because you do not think it is important at all: · So your house isn't perfectly clean. Who cares?· "Phil was really angry when he heard what you had done.'' "So what? It's none of his business.''· "He says he's depressed and really short of money." "What do I care? It's his own fault."
spoken say this when you do not care if someone does what they have threatened to do: · "Brenda says she's going to quit unless we give her a raise." "Let her quit then. It's not as if we can't find another nanny."· "They're threatening to disconnect the phone unless we pay the bill." "Let them!"
spoken informal say this when someone tells you about a problem they have and you do not have any sympathy for them, especially because you feel angry with them: · "Mom, I don't want to go to school today." "Tough! You're going anyway."· "Can't we stop? I'm hungry." "That's tough. I told you to eat something before we left the house."
asking what the result will be if something happens use this to ask someone what they will do if something in particular happens: · What if your plan doesn't work?· I sat there till lunchtime thinking, ''What if he doesn't come back?''
spoken use this when you are asking or imagining what the result will be if a particular thing happens: · Supposing things change and the industry becomes more important. We might make a big profit.· You don't expect me to join the army, do you? Suppose I get killed?· "I'm not a violent person.'' "No, but say someone attacked you. You wouldn't just stand there, would you?''
what you say when someone or something is late spoken say this when someone arrives very late and you want to know why, because you are worried or annoyed: · Where have you been? You said you'd be here at three!
spoken say this when someone arrives late and you are a little annoyed: · "What kept you?" "I couldn't find my glasses."
British /it's about time American spoken say this when someone or something arrives or does something late, and you are annoyed because you have been waiting a long time: · "Look, here's the bus." "It's about time!"
British spoken say this when you are annoyed with someone because they have arrived very late: · What time do you call this, Martin? You were supposed to be here half an hour ago.
spoken say this when someone or something arrives or does something late but it does not matter very much: · "The pictures have finally arrived." "Well, better late than never."
British say this when you suddenly realize that it is later than you thought it was: · Oh my god, is that the time? I've got to go!
what you think about something · Please phone in with your comments and opinions.· Opinions vary widely on this matter.opinion of · The rating a film gets reflects the opinions of our reviewers.my/your/her etc opinion · Do you really want my opinion?· He acknowledged that he had no evidence to support his opinion.opinion on/about · They have very different opinions about religion.· Many board members said they had no opinion on Goldman's proposal.in my/our etc opinion · In my opinion, most lawyers are overpaid.· This is, in the opinion of the critics, their best record for years.have a high/low opinion of something/somebody (=think somethingor someone is good or bad) · Politicians generally have a low opinion of the press.give/express an opinion · About 100 people showed up to express their opinions about the project.ask somebody's opinion · In 10 years of teaching, I have never been asked my opinion on any matter of policy.somebody is entitled to their opinion (=say this when you disagree with someone else's opinion) · He's entitled to his opinion, of course, but it does not give him the right to be offensive.be of the opinion that (=have a particular opinion) formal · The coroner was of the opinion that the man had been dead for only 24 hours.
especially spoken your opinion about something, especially whether you think it is good or bad: · What do you think of her new CD?· Tell me what you think about the design.· No one ever really stops and asks kids what they think about things.· Well, I know what I think, but you might not agree.
your opinion about something, especially about a serious or important subject: · It is natural for children to have different views from their parents.view that: · I don't agree with the view that longer prison sentences stop people from committing crime.in my/his/John's etc view: · In Freud's view, people's dreams often reveal their unconscious fears.view about/on: · Malthus will always be known mainly for his views on population.· The survey reflected a very conservative view about what the ideal family structure should be.express a view: · Stein was expressing the view of many fellow war veterans.take a view that: · Most nineteenth century scientists took the view that the universe had no purpose or meaning.
what you think and feel about something or someone, especially when this is shown in the way you behave towards them: · I don't understand your attitude. Why don't you like her?· The book explains some of the attitudes and values of the Victorians.attitude to/towards: · Since the 1960s, there has been a big change in people's attitudes to sex before marriage.take the attitude that: · Officials took the attitude that the problem was not their responsibility.
your opinion about something, especially about what should be done about it, after you have thought about it carefully: thoughts about/on: · Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions about how we should spend the money?· I was anxious to hear his thoughts on the scenes I had written.have thoughts: · Please get back to me with any thoughts you might have on this.
what you think about something, especially when you have very strong or angry feelings about it: · He makes decisions without ever taking my feelings into account.feelings about: · Kids' feelings about everything from reading to exercise are influenced by their parents.strong feelings: · She has very strong feelings about this election.
what you think about something, especially about the best way to deal with something: · I'm not sure his ideas will be very popular with the voters.ideas about/on: · His ideas about marriage and divorce were very old-fashioned.· I'd like your ideas on how we can improve our working relationship.
especially written an opinion, especially one that is based on emotion: · The speeches were full of nationalist sentiments.· Most people were outraged by the bombing, and their letters of sympathy reflected this sentiment.public/popular sentiment (=what most people think): · Several meetings were held to determine what public sentiment was on the issue.
ways of asking someone to repeat something also excuse me? American spoken say this when you want to ask someone politely to repeat what they just said because you did not hear it: · "It's hot today, isn't it?" "Pardon?"· "Could you tell me what time it is?" "Sorry?"· "Damn," I muttered. "Excuse me?" said the clerk.
spoken informal say this when you did not hear what someone said, or when you are surprised by what they said: · "Are you going to the bar?" "What? Oh, yes, I suppose so."· "Oh, shut up!" "What did you say?"
also could you repeat that/the question etc? use this in formal situations to ask someone to repeat something: · "My name's Marsden." "Would you mind repeating that, please?"· "How long have you been here?" "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"
when you ask what time it is to ask someone to tell you the time: · She was walking home near Colbayns School when a man approached her and asked her the time.· She was distracted for a moment by someone asking the time.· Go and ask Dad what time it is.· If you've got a watch, why are you asking what time it is?
also what's the time? British spoken say this to ask someone you are with to tell you the time: · "What time is it?" "Just after four o'clock."· What's the time? Is it after 10?
British /do you have the time? American spoken say this to ask someone the time, when you do not know whether they have a watch: · Sorry to trouble you, but do you have the time?have the right time: · Does anyone have the right time here?have the time on you British: · Excuse me! Have you got the time on you please?
British /what time do you have? American spoken say this when you are asking someone who has a watch, especially because you think your own watch may be wrong: · What time do you make it, Emma? My watch has stopped.· What time do you have, Dave? I don't want to miss my plane.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY They’re discussing what to do next.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Police have found what appear to be human remains. I knew he’d be able to take care of himself, come what may (=whatever happens). I’m sorry about that – I don’t know what came over me (=I do not know why I behaved in that way). It’s difficult to describe how I feel. Here she waited for what seemed like an eternity. Until I heard her sing I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about (=why people liked it so much). God knows what she’s doing in there. He was gone before they knew what had hit them (=realized what had happened). Thousands of workers are waiting to see what the future holds. Sometimes it’s better not to ask too many questions, if you know what I mean. ‘I just felt so tired.’ ‘Yeah, I know what you mean.’ (=I understand, because I have had the same experience) I don’t really know what I’m doing (=I do not have enough skill and experience to deal with something) when it comes to cars. The staff are dedicated people who clearly know what they are talking about. You know what? I think he’s lonely. He pointed to what was left of the house (=used when very little is left). ‘Salubrious’! That’s just the word I was looking for. I don’t care what it looks like – what matters is that it works. The report fails to define what is meant by the term ‘key issues’. It’s pretty obvious what she means. Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say). ‘I didn’t really like him.’ 'I know what you mean, I didn’t get on with him either (=used to say you understand and have had the same experience). I meant what I said earlier. It was a nice house, but it wasn’t quite what we had in mind. She does what she pleases. I see what you mean (=I understand what you are saying). We waited for what seemed like hours. I heard what sounded like fireworks. Right, stop what you’re doing and come over here. Who on earth do you suppose could have done this? How do you suppose he got here? What’s up? Why are you crying? The only thing that worries me is the food. I don’t want to get food poisoning.
(=used for emphasis when you are surprised, angry etc) What on earth’s going on?
What on earth’s going on? They’re discussing what to do next. Police have found what appear to be human remains. I knew he’d be able to take care of himself, come what may (=whatever happens). I’m sorry about that – I don’t know what came over me (=I do not know why I behaved in that way). (=used to say that the world etc is in a bad situation)
It’s difficult to describe how I feel. (=experience something bad after you have behaved badly)· I like films where the bad guys get what they deserve.
Here she waited for what seemed like an eternity. (=how much?)· To what extent does cutting down trees contribute to climate change?
· What the fuck do you think you’re doing?
Until I heard her sing I couldn’t see what all the fuss was about (=why people liked it so much). (=what will happen)· He is worried about what the future holds for the company.
(=this is what I believe to be true) She’s his niece, from what I can gather.
She’s his niece, from what I can gather. God knows what she’s doing in there. spoken (=used to tell someone that you have listened to their opinion, but do not agree with it) I hear what you say, but I don’t think we should rush this decision.
I hear what you say, but I don’t think we should rush this decision. He was gone before they knew what had hit them (=realized what had happened). Thousands of workers are waiting to see what the future holds. (=what someone thought something would be like, before they saw it or experienced it)· The office was not what he had imagined.
· What kind of milk shake would you like?
(=used to ask if someone understands or has the same feeling as you) It’s nice to have a change sometimes. Know what I mean?
It’s nice to have a change sometimes. Know what I mean? Sometimes it’s better not to ask too many questions, if you know what I mean. ‘I just felt so tired.’ ‘Yeah, I know what you mean.’ (=I understand, because I have had the same experience) I don’t really know what I’m doing (=I do not have enough skill and experience to deal with something) when it comes to cars. The staff are dedicated people who clearly know what they are talking about. You know what? I think he’s lonely. He pointed to what was left of the house (=used when very little is left). ‘Salubrious’! That’s just the word I was looking for. I don’t care what it looks like – what matters is that it works. The report fails to define what is meant by the term ‘key issues’. It’s pretty obvious what she means. spoken (=used to check that someone understands you) I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean. We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean.
I want to buy her something really special, if you know what I mean. We’re still married but living apart in the same house, if you see what I mean. Oh yeah! I see what you mean (=I understand what you are trying to say). ‘I didn’t really like him.’ 'I know what you mean, I didn’t get on with him either (=used to say you understand and have had the same experience). I meant what I said earlier. It was a nice house, but it wasn’t quite what we had in mind. She does what she pleases.· What a relief to be able to say what I really feel!
(=used to ask for information or news)
I see what you mean (=I understand what you are saying). We waited for what seemed like hours. I heard what sounded like fireworks. Right, stop what you’re doing and come over here. Who on earth do you suppose could have done this? How do you suppose he got here? informal (=to have the qualities that are needed for success) Neil’s got what it takes to be a great footballer.
Neil’s got what it takes to be a great footballer.· A couple of nurses rushed into the room to see what the trouble was.
What’s up? Why are you crying?· You’ve got what you wanted, so you might as well leave.
· You can do what you want, instead of being told what to do.
· What I want to do is develop the skills I already have.
(=used to thank someone for a present that you really like)· Thanks for the bread machine – it’s just what I’ve always wanted.
The only thing that worries me is the food. I don’t want to get food poisoning.· What’s wrong with your leg?
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► what about ...?► (and) what’s more► what’s it to you?► ... or what► what’s with somebody?► what’s with something?► what's not to like/love?PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► what/how about somebody/something► what’s this in aid of?► what ails something► what became of ... ? whatever will become of ... ?► what’s biting you/her etc?► what the blazes/who the blazes etc► what’s the damage?► what's the deal?► what/how etc the deuce ...?► what/who/where the dickens ...?► what’s doing ...?► what somebody should do with something/what to do with something etc► what is somebody doing with something?► be just what the doctor ordered► what/why/how etc on earth ...?► what’s eating somebody?► you are what you eat► what’s his face/what’s her face► what’s her/your etc game?► what’s got into somebody?► give somebody what for► what’s the good of ...?/what good is ...?► guess what/you’ll never guess who/what etc► the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing► what/how/why etc in heaven’s name► what’s that when it’s at home?► what’s (all) the hurry?/why (all) the hurry?► what’s the big idea?► you have no idea (how/what etc)► (well,) what do you know?► if you know what’s good for you► you know who/what► not know what hit you► the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing► what are you like!► look what you’re doing/look where you’re going etc► see/find out what somebody is (really) made of► what’s the matter?/something’s the matter/nothing’s the matter etc► what do you mean ...?► that’s all I need/that’s just what I didn’t need► what’s new?► what is it now?/now what?► what’s somebody on?► what’s your poison?► what is somebody trying to prove?► you reap what you sow► what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander► what have you got to say for yourself?► see something for what it is► it’s a shame/what a shame etc► what should I see but something/who should appear but somebody etc► what sort of ... ?► you’re a star!/what a star!► there’s no telling what/how etc► what with one thing and another► that’s what you/they etc think!► what’s (all) this?► what’s it worth (to you)?
1used to ask for information or for someone’s opinion: - What's this tool for?
- What about your commitment to - what's his name?
- I keep my ears open and I know what's what around the office.
- He tells his mates what's what, and they laugh when he does.
- I am a fly on the face of the Almighty, crawling over the surface to see what's what.
- I like to think our academic standard's gone up, and we know what's what in the world.
- So let's start by taking a look at what's what in floorcoverings.
- What's what in the psychic world?
- "Don't go in there, he's sleeping." "So what?"
- After all, Twickenham only holds 65,000 people, so what about the other fans throughout the country?
- And so what, she thought, so what?
- And the special language of the specialist is a substitute for thought. So what are we to do?
- Part of the fun includes a trip to make-up. So what does the future hold for Fiona and David?
- She might think he was a little coarse doing that after saying he despised her, but so what?
- We are behind in the opinion polls. So what?
- You climbed Mount Everest? So what?
- "I got the job!" "You what?"
- And began to tell me what a piece of shit that was.
- Does it tell you what you want to know?
- Mrs Blakey kept on asking them what they'd done that day.
- Nobody asked her what was in the wicker basket she had put under the seat.
- Obviously, in a free economy city planners can not tell anyone what to build-only what not to build.
- Perry came off the court and the reporters asked him what the hell happened.
- The split also will free the other businesses to expand at a quicker pace, giving them what Dun.
- You must tell me what you want to take.
- What if your plan doesn't work?
- The shelves were crammed with books, documents, and what have you.
- They've been under a lot of stress, what with Joe losing his job and all.
- And now what about these phone calls?
- And now what is she doing?
- Fine, he was persuaded, and he was doing everything possible to achieve the goals. Now what?
- He knew now what he wanted.
- Heart disease, then major cardiac surgery and now what is being described as pneumonia have kept him from work.
- I could see now what it was about Barry that kept me standing there.
- Liam Murphy was now what could be called in any circumstances a rich man.
- "I went to the store and bought some new shoes." "You went to the store and what?"
- And what was all that about sending him your regards?
- What's the betting all was well the night the Vikings came?
- Hey, what's the big idea? Who said you could borrow my car?
- He tells the chauffeur to go gas up the limo, and what does he care?
- Now what the devil was he to do?
- So who the devil are these two engaging, literate, drug-free chatterers sitting down the pub?
- What the devil are you getting at?
- What the devil does he want?
- What the devil have you been doing to yourself?
- What the devil was he talking about?
- Why the devil do you think I came haring over here?
- Why the devil was she so stubborn?
- Good morning, Mitch! What can I do you for today?
- This brings me to what allatostatin will do for us.
- And in the back of my mind was the wild thought, Where is Dean and what is he doing right now?
- And now what is she doing?
- But what is Rabbit Maranville doing in there?
- Just what is this doing to the hearts and minds of our children?
- What is Lucinda doing right this moment?
- What is the submarine doing up here?
- What is this government doing to encourage cycling?
- Where is he and what is he doing?
- I don't know what to do with myself.
- Once at the top, he had no idea what to do with himself.
- Still, it didn't take me long to make up my mind what to do with myself.
- Wade stopped and waited, not sure what to do with himself.
- So what has Renault done with the latest version of its supermini?
- She didn't mention "sexual harassment," but I knew what she was driving at.
- Many candidates don't recognize what the question is driving at.
- I told her it looked good. What else could I say?
- I do about three hundred sit-ups a day and it still refuses to firm up, but what else can I do?
- P.S. Awful - but what else can one do?
- So what else can Florida do?
- What else can a sinner say?
- What else can he realistically do?
- What else can I do for you Jim?
- What else can I do to improve things?
- Nothing spectacular but what do you expect from beginners?!!!
- Sad about the Derwent but what can we expect?
- Sure, what do you expect for that kind of money?
- What can we expect in the future?
- What can you expect from those young people in the small towns.
- What do you expect from an also-ran business publication like Fortune?
- Again, it gets me away utterly from television.
- But it gets me out of the house for a while.
- But never mind the niceties: it gets me in.
- But what gets me most is when somebody dies who hasn't really lived.
- Heaven knows I've tried talking to him, but it gets me nowhere.
- Sometimes I can laugh it off but inside it gets me down.
- That's what gets me about it.
- The same old thing - cleaning the same things all the time, that's what gets me.
- But, as the saying goes, what goes around comes around.
- What in God's name is that noise?
- If you know what's good for you, you'll do what I tell you.
- You'll just keep your mouth shut about this if you know what's good for you!
- Actually, no matter what happens to the business cycle, people will continue to eat and to get sick.
- Do all the fish die and what happens to the occupants of metal-hulled boats?
- If anything happens to me, just bury me at Wounded Knee.
- Suppose Holt's 6-year-old does opt out of school? What happens to her then?
- Tell the students to hold the jars and look at the items through them. What happens to the items?
- The power is cut! What happens to the cake?
- We thought of having a party on that day to watch what happens to one another.
- What are the determinants of supply? What happens to the supply curve when each of these determinants changes?
- But take care of them, darling. I hate to think what we'd do if they had to be replaced.
- And what the heck did it all mean, anyway?
- Hey, what the heck, another big hit from Alomar, and here comes Palmeiro.
- I just want to know what the heck happened.
- I was like what the heck does that mean?
- Martinique, she thought, what the heck, why not give the nude beach a try?
- Oh, what the heck - TrueEffects is great fun.
- Parents of later learners cringe and begin to wonder what the heck is going on.
- So what the heck, folks.
- Okay, I'll bet $10 on the Cowboys, what the hell.
- She admits there are no jobs and wonders what the hell she is doing.
- What the hell does the reaction matter if you want to do it?
- What the hell was he talking about?
- What the hell was she playing at?
- Where the hell have you been?
- Why the hell couldn't you have told us?
- Wondering what the hell he's up to.
- I'm not going to listen to Martha. What does she know?
- My chaplain snorts in derision but what does he know?
- What's it like living in Spain?
- What's the new teacher like?
- But what is it like to actually be in Brookie?
- But what is it like to go from one pregnancy to the next - going on having more and more children?
- But what is it like to possess 360° vision with two, narrow and separate binocular fields?
- But what is life like for people living in rural areas who can't afford a car?
- But what is morale like in today's force.
- So what is the Pro-File like to dive with?
- Constant logging threatens to wipe out the little that is left of the rain forest.
- They spent what little money they had on a new stereo.
- After these meetings we would all sit and eat together what little groceries the people had been able to collect.
- Archie suddenly loomed over me, his bloated Zeppelin figure blocking out what little light there was.
- At times, Alvin clung slavishly to what little he had observed firsthand of the process of making dances.
- By now Dad was sixty-five, and what little lenience he may once have possessed had long since hardened into steely inflexibility.
- Grandmother eats what Little Red Cap has brought her; and the girl has learned her lesson.
- It was appalling and ridiculous, and this inner battle was draining away what little strength she had left.
- Personally, I used to devote what little thought I could muster to the question of nutcrackers.
- The majority of the displaced are therefore reluctant to leave the camps and prefer what little protection the church can offer.
- Now look what you've done! You'll have to clean it up.
- What manner of son would treat his mother in such a way?
- Another 10 percent or so will vote Republican, no matter what.
- As devoted parents, they want to stand by their son no matter what happens.
- But inside the Forum, no matter how lopsided the talent levels, the setting alone made it great.
- But the algorithm is the same finite set of instructions no matter how big the numbers.
- My priority is to drive the business, bring in the revenue, no matter what it takes.
- The Universe is one organic whole, no matter how diverse and widely differing its manifold aspects may seem to be.
- Throughout the century, no matter what the current literary rage, Contemporary Romances have maintained a quiet, yet devoted audience.
- Actually, no matter what happens to the business cycle, people will continue to eat and to get sick.
- Children benefit from knowing that they will be cared for and loved, no matter what their performance in school.
- Dinah tells her she will always have a friend to turn to, no matter what trouble she may find.
- Frequent cancellations, no matter what the excuse, make a diva seem a dangerously risky investment.
- I found acceptance in my music, so -- no matter what I was -- they liked my music.
- No matter how it manifests itself, no matter what the cause, it's bad news, believe me.
- They had to get out, no matter what the weather, and run around the car five times.
- Throughout the century, no matter what the current literary rage, Contemporary Romances have maintained a quiet, yet devoted audience.
- We'll do it tomorrow or the next day. What does it matter?
- Hill people, valley people, what does it matter if gullibility remains unaffected by our environments?
- The same as what does it matter whether or not I was a virgin when I met Gillian?
- Well, what does it matter?
- See what I mean, Dad, about this camera being difficult to use?
- And little enough for cleverness, if you see what I mean.
- BBut you see what I mean.
- Do you see what I mean, he was trying?
- He had this manner, as if he was a bit above the rest of us, if you see what I mean.
- He just has the feelings, if you see what I mean.
- I think you will see what I mean only after tasting this bread.
- You see what I mean about having to keep up with things.
- You see what I mean when I say it's nothing new, it's been endlessly talked around.
- "You've got to think about later on in life, too." "That's what I mean. It's getting closer."
- And that's what I mean about friends.
- But that's what I meant about technology having caught you up.
- I deny I get long holidays, that's what I mean.
- I think that's what I mean.
- If you are overweight, then you know what it means to be in emotional pain.
- What's the meaning of this? I asked you to be here an hour ago!
- These detergents are environmentally friendly; what's more, they're relatively cheap.
- What's more, the price of a mobile home often includes appliances.
- All stylishly embossed with your club's emblem. What's more, each item carries an equally attractive price tag.
- And what's more it's clean.
- And what's more it's encouraging people to be brief and efficient.
- And what's more, I can always teach.
- And what's more, scarce a word out of you.
- And what's more, they're free!
- The company is perceived through its design, is judged by it. What's more, people buy design rather than function.
- Yes, it had a heater and, what's more, you could even have air conditioning and automatic transmission.
- And now what about these phone calls?
- And now what is she doing?
- Fine, he was persuaded, and he was doing everything possible to achieve the goals. Now what?
- He knew now what he wanted.
- Heart disease, then major cardiac surgery and now what is being described as pneumonia have kept him from work.
- I could see now what it was about Barry that kept me standing there.
- Liam Murphy was now what could be called in any circumstances a rich man.
- Not the same at all now what's happened has happened.
- As a replacement for the Bluebird, the Primera is on another planet.
- People in the Antelope Valley worry that most people south of the mountains think that their valley is on another planet.
- I don't know what possessed me to buy such an ugly dress.
- And Scott the rapier-slim rapper backs up this message by practising what he preaches.
- Both Johnson and Lady Macleod found the book wanting, her objection being that the author did not practise what he preached.
- I just wanted to see if he practised what he preached.
- In most areas of life, he tries to practise what he preaches.
- It is a good thing he practises what he preaches.
- It is also important to practise what you preach.
- The paper would practise what it preached.
- The tight control on public sector pay is crucial and underlines the fact that the Government intends to practise what it preaches.
- But it is not quite what it seems.
- Only his shoes seemed to be a little too pointed - not quite what men one knew would wear.
- So Feuerbach's sensuous anthropology, much praised even by Karl Barth, is not quite what it seems.
- Somehow we get the feeling this is not quite what Tucson Mayor George Miller had in mind.
- That is not quite what we suggested, which was that it should have regard to affordability.
- The whole situation was very unusual and not quite what I expected it to be.
- They are not quite what I should have expected from a man like Serafin.
- This is not quite what was expected.
- How about going to Europe this summer? What do you say?
- And what do we say of the present day psychiatrist how mad, how mad?
- Come on, what do ya say?
- I am like well what did she say?
- Now what do you say to a goofy question like that?
- Question, what did he say to your statements?
- Well, brother, what do you say to a girl not seen or heard from for five years.
- Well, hey; what do you say to us taking the card game someplace else?
- Clearly western painters said what they liked, how they liked.
- From now on he could do and say what he liked - they wouldn't raise a squeak.
- He could say what he liked, but she was now controlling the agenda.
- I can say what I like.
- If she just vanishes, Elizabeth Roisin can say what she likes, but there's nothing she can do!
- There must, he said, be a place where people are free to say what they like.
- We can do what we like and say what we like to whomever we like, without restriction.
- While manufacturers say what they like about themselves through advertising, favourable public opinion for their products or services is earned.
- At each anniversary National Savings will write and say what the guaranteed rate is for the next 12 months.
- For the first time in his life he was free from corporate restraints, to say what he really thought.
- I want to know who says what.
- In this kind of situation neither can say what their real feelings are.
- It is always a matter of setting priorities and saying what is real for today.
- Male speaker It's a very psychological part - you have to keep saying what the scene is about in your head.
- People close to the negotiations declined to say what Liggett might pay under an expanded agreement.
- She tried to imagine herself walking along the corridor, knocking on Luke's bedroom door and saying - saying what?
- I'm in charge here and what I say goes.
- I look up to my brother, what he says goes with me, so that really hurt.
- But I don't see what you can do about it.
- I hardly see what I can do that the consul can't.
- I will go into the streets and see what I can do.
- Perdita saw what they can do.
- The depth on this team -- you saw what Ship can do.
- Why not see what you can do?
- Will he see what he can do to persuade the public sector to follow the private sector's practice in this case?
- "I really need it by tomorrow." "I can't make any promises, but I'll see what I can do."
- What does Ron see in her?
- As David said, the union simply does not give a shit.
- "It sounds like things aren't going too well for you lately." "What's that supposed to mean?"
- Look, I know what I'm talking about because I was there when it happened.
- Pilger knows what he is talking about, having spent several years as a reporter in Vietnam.
- Rolim seemed to know what he was talking about, but his theories raised some questions for me.
- Wayne, you don't know what the hell you're talking about.
- And those who hint that this approach increases the guilt of the patient simply do not know what they are talking about.
- But the debate will be between two insiders who know what they are talking about.
- But we ensure we first know what we are talking about.
- Engineers should only offer an opinion if they know what they are talking about.
- They are not the only people who know what they are talking about when it comes to children and education.
- They have demonstrated publicly, through close scrutiny by their peers, that they know what they are talking about.
- What are you talking about? - Ron has lots of money.
- And I was like, I was just like, what are you talking about?
- And, anyway, what are you talking about, the rich man in his castle?
- I tell you what, I'll make you dinner if you drive me to the store.
- But what do you think my parents would think if I were to become involved with you?
- Cleaving to the bosom of my grieving family? What do you think they're doing?
- If I have a son, I think I shall send him. What do you think?
- Lady: What do you think is the most important aspect of herself a woman should preserve as she grows older?
- Let's see how you rate in that area. What do you think we go in for, here in Perugia?
- Q: Speaking of which, what do you think of Frank Gifford?
- What do you think of your manager? What do you think of our personnel policies and how they're working?
- After working with him for five years, I still don't know what makes him tick.
- As a teacher, you need to get to know your students, find out what makes them tick.
- Nobody can figure out what makes him tick.
- But identifying them, learning about their behaviour and distribution and understanding what makes them tick, requires some enjoyable investigation.
- But they also have ideas about how the social world works and what makes its inhabitants tick.
- He's always been interested in what makes people tick.
- I would listen to what makes you tick and what you like and then be me with those characteristics.
- It's like reading a biography of a favourite author to learn what makes them tick.
- Jody has thought a lot about what makes Red tick.
- Try to figure out what makes him tick.
- Who are these men and what makes them tick?
- And what's the use of being on observation when you can't observe anything?
- My granda is dying there and what's the use?
- You're a bloody animal, Cullam, without an animal's ... Oh! what's the use?
- What are you waiting for? Ask her out on a date.
- And with actual tickets for the event up for grabs, what are you waiting for?
- So what are you waiting for.
- What are we waiting for? Let's go eat.
- What do you want now? I'm busy.
- By the way, what do you want for your birthday?
- I can't pretend to be, and you know it, so what do you want?
- I was like, okay, what do you want to bet?
- Now what do you want me to do?
- So we have to ask ourselves, what do these machines really want to do, what do they want to wear?
- For what it's worth, I think you did a fine job.
- My feeling, for what it's worth, is that they should be regarded as wasting assets.
What are you doing? What subjects did you enjoy most? What colour is the new carpet? What’s your new boss like? What do you think of my painting? What do you mean, you want to spend Christmas alone?what on earth/in the world/in heaven’s name etc (=used for emphasis when you are surprised, angry etc) What on earth’s going on?USAGE: What, whichWhen there are only a small number of possible things or people, you use which, not what: · Which leg did he break?· Which brother do you mean? ✗Don’t say: What leg did he break? | What brother do you mean?2used to introduce a clause about something that is or was not known or not certain: No one knows exactly what happened. It is not clear to what extent these views were shared.what to do/say/expect etc They’re discussing what to do next.3the thing which: Show me what you bought. I believe what he told me. I could get you a job here if that’s what you want. What he did was morally wrong. She gave him what money she had (=all the money she had, although she did not have much).GRAMMARWhat is not a relative pronoun and should not be used to begin a clause after a noun or pronoun. Use that instead. You say: · There are so many things that can go wrong. ✗Don’t say: There are so many things what can go wrong.4used at the beginning of a statement to emphasize what you are going to say: What that kid needs is some love and affection. What we’ll do is leave a note for Mum to tell her we won’t be back till late. What matters is the British people and British jobs.SPOKEN PHRASES5what? a)used to ask someone to repeat something they have just said because you did not hear it properly: ‘Could you turn the music down a bit?’ ‘What?’ b)used when you have heard someone calling to you and you are asking them what they want: ‘Elaine!’ ‘What?’ ‘Come on!’ c)used to show that you are surprised or shocked by something that someone has just said: ‘I think I’ve lost my passport.’ ‘What?’6used at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize that you think something or someone is very good, very bad etc: What a lovely day! What a horrible thing to do! What nice people they are!7used to ask someone to complete a name when they have only given you the first part of it: ‘Do you know his name?’ ‘It’s David.’ ‘David what?’8what about ...? a)used to make a suggestion: What about dinner at my place next week?what about doing something What about going to a movie? b) (also what of ...? formal) used to introduce a new subject into a conversation, or to mention something or someone else that also needs to be considered: What about Patrick? What’s he doing nowadays? What about me? Aren’t I coming too? So that’s the food – now what about the wine? And what of her other job? How is that progressing?9what (...) for? a)used to ask why someone does something: ‘She’s decided to work part-time.’ ‘What for?’ What did you do that for? b)used to ask what purpose or use something has: What’s this gadget for?10used to give yourself time to think before guessing a number or amount: You’re looking at, what, about £4,000 for a decent second-hand car.11 what’s his/her/its name (also what d'you call him/her/it, what's his/her face) used when talking about a person or thing whose name you cannot immediately remember: The hospital have just got a, what d'you call it, er ... a scanner. Is what’s his name still working there?12 (and) what’s more used when adding information that emphasizes what you are saying: Gas is a very efficient fuel. And what’s more, it’s clean.13what’s what the real facts about a situation that are important to know: She’s been working here long enough to know what’s what.14what’s it to you? used to tell someone angrily that something does not concern them: That’s right, I didn’t pass. What’s it to you, anyway? ‘How did he die?’ Suddenly Emily was angry. ‘What’s it to you?’15 ... or what a)used at the end of a question to show that you are impatient with someone or something: Are you afraid of him, or what? Is that work going to be finished by Friday, or what? b)used after mentioning one or more possibilities to show that you are not certain about something: I don’t know whether it was an accident or on purpose or what. c)used after a description of someone or something to emphasize it: Nearby are the remains of a deserted village. Spooky or what? Is that madness or what?16 so what? (also what of it?) used to say that you do not care about something or think it is important: ‘Your room looks a real mess, Tracey.’ ‘So what?’ ‘But, Paul, she’s so much older than you.’ ‘What of it?’17you what? a) British English used to ask someone to repeat something they have just said. It is more polite to say pardon: ‘I want to tell you something.’ ‘You what? I can’t hear what you’re saying.’ b)used to show that you are surprised: ‘So I resigned.’ ‘You what?’18what if ...? a)used to ask what you should do or what the result will be if something happens, especially something unpleasant: What if this plan of yours fails, what then? ‘What if it rains tomorrow?’ ‘We’ll just have to postpone it.’ b)used to make a suggestion: What if we moved the sofa over here? Would that look better?19 ... and what have you used at the end of a list of things to mean other things of a similar kind: The shelves were crammed with books, documents, and what have you.20what with something used to introduce a list of reasons that have made something happen or made someone feel in a particular way: She couldn’t get to sleep, what with all the shooting and shouting.21what’s with somebody? American English used to ask why a person or group of people is behaving strangely: What’s with you people?22what’s with something? American English used to ask the reason for something: What’s with all the sad faces?23 now what? used to ask what is going to happen next, what you should do etc24what's not to like/love? especially American English used to say that something has no bad qualities or features: What's not to like about this book? → what does it matter? at matter2(3), → what does somebody care at care2(6), → have what it takes at take1(4), → I/I’ll tell you what at tell(13), → guess what at guess1(6)