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House of Cards — Season 4 Episode 7

Words & meanings

709 words

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CEFR level

to keep someone or something busy or unavailable

In scene

to keep someone or something busy or unavailable

My money is tied up in this project

to attach or bind things together

Please tie up your shoelaces

to complete the last parts of something

We need to tie up the project details

to put money into something for a period of time

He tied up his savings in stocks

a situation where movement is stopped

The accident caused a major tie-up

to gain knowledge or skill by studying or experience

In scene

to gain knowledge or skill by studying or experience

I want to learn English

to learn or be told something

I learned that the meeting is postponed

to get new information or skill

I am learning how to play chess

to give someone knowledge or skill

He learned me a new skill

to feel or cause a feeling of shock or wonder

In scene

to feel or cause a feeling of shock or wonder

I am surprised by the gift

a word said to announce something unexpected

Surprise! I am here

happening without warning, intended to surprise

It was a surprise visit

an event that happens without warning

That party was a big surprise

to find people to join a group or job

In scene

to find people to join a group or job

The company wants to recruit new staff

a person who has recently joined a group or organization

We welcomed the new recruit

feeling pleased with yourself or someone else

In scene

feeling pleased with yourself or someone else

I am proud of your success

feeling satisfaction from your own achievements

In scene

feeling satisfaction from your own achievements

He is proud of his work

feeling pleased about someone else's success or qualities

I am proud of you

in a way that shows satisfaction and pleasure

She has a proud expression

used to introduce two possibilities

In scene

used to introduce two possibilities

I don't know whether he will come

used to introduce two possibilities

I do not know whether he is coming

to become involved in a situation to change what happens

In scene

to become involved in a situation to change what happens

The police had to intervene in the fight

to become involved in a situation to change it

The police had to intervene

to stay in one place until something happens

In scene

to stay in one place until something happens

Please wait for me

to feel excited for something to happen

I can't wait for summer

to stop for a short time

Please wait a moment

to do things for someone to help them

The server waits on the guests

a person who fights

In scene

a person who fights

He is a brave fighter

a fast military plane used in war

The pilot flew the fighter

to make a clear, musical ringing sound

In scene

to make a clear, musical ringing sound

The bells chime every hour

to make a clear, musical sound like a bell

In scene

to make a clear, musical sound like a bell

The clock began to chime

a metal tube that makes a musical sound when hit

The wind chime sounds beautiful

to produce a clear, musical ringing noise

The old clock will chime soon

to have an effect on someone or something

In scene

to have an effect on someone or something

The weather affects my mood

to show a feeling or emotion through your behavior

He affected a look of surprise

a part of an organization

In scene

a part of an organization

He works in the sales department

a part of a large organization that does a specific job

In scene

a part of a large organization that does a specific job

She works in the marketing department

a particular area of activity or interest

He works in the sales department

a part of a store or organization

This is the clothing department

the power to act, speak, or think as one wants

In scene

the power to act, speak, or think as one wants

Everyone deserves freedom

to a great degree

In scene

to a great degree

It is raining heavily

to a large or intense degree

It is raining heavily outside

to make a low, continuous, vibrating sound

In scene

to make a low, continuous, vibrating sound

The small motor started to whirr

to link or bring together

In scene

to link or bring together

Please connect the wires

to join or be joined

Connect the printer to the computer

to spend time together with someone

I like to connect with new people

a written message sent on a phone

In scene

a written message sent on a phone

I sent you a text message

to reply or speak to someone again later

In scene

to reply or speak to someone again later

I will get back to you soon

to go back to a place or activity

I will get back to work soon

a document or proof of someone's skills or identity

In scene

a document or proof of someone's skills or identity

She provided her credentials for the job

something extra you get from a job or situation

In scene

something extra you get from a job or situation

Free coffee is a great perk

to become happier or more energetic

He perked up after the coffee

to put something into action

In scene

to put something into action

Use your brain to solve this

to make use of something

In scene

to make use of something

Can I use your pen

to indicate that something happened regularly in the past but no longer does

In scene

to indicate that something happened regularly in the past but no longer does

I used to swim every morning

to trick someone for your own advantage

He used me for his benefit

to give a good reason for something

She used the rain as a reason for being late

to use something in a wrong or harmful way

He misused his power

to have a need for something

I could really use some help

the reason for which something is done

That information has no use

to use rude or offensive language

Do not use bad words here

to make use of something

You can use these tools for work

many times or often

I use my computer often

to give a part of something to others

In scene

to give a part of something to others

I will share my food with you

to have something in common with someone

We share the same hobby

a part or portion of something

This is your share

to use something at the same time as others

I share a room with him

the air taken into the lungs

In scene

the air taken into the lungs

Take a deep breath

at a fast speed; without delay

In scene

at a fast speed; without delay

He ran quickly to the bus

not easy to do or deal with

In scene

not easy to do or deal with

This is a tough question

having a lot of strength or bravery

In scene

having a lot of strength or bravery

He is a tough man

demanding or hard on someone

The teacher is very tough

used to say that something is bad but the speaker does not care

Tough luck for you

happening by chance in a surprising way

In scene

happening by chance in a surprising way

Our meeting was completely coincidental

the group of people who lead an organization

In scene

the group of people who lead an organization

The company leadership supports this plan

the position of being in charge

She showed great leadership

the people who lead an organization or country

The new leadership met today

not clearly one thing or another

In scene

not clearly one thing or another

His behavior is borderline

to stop something before it is finished

In scene

to stop something before it is finished

They had to abort the mission

a right to make a decision

In scene

a right to make a decision

It is your prerogative to choose

almost not; by a very small amount

In scene

almost not; by a very small amount

I could barely see the road

exclude

In scene

exclude

Everyone came except him

however; used to introduce a contrast

I would go except I am tired

not including

Everyone except Tom came

used to introduce a contrast

Everyone came, except you

the strong effect of something pushing against something else

In scene

the strong effect of something pushing against something else

The water pressure is high

the feeling of worry caused by demands

In scene

the feeling of worry caused by demands

He is under a lot of pressure

to try to make someone do something

In scene

to try to make someone do something

They pressured him to sign the paper

to break something so it cannot be used again

In scene

to break something so it cannot be used again

The storm destroyed the old house

to beat someone very easily in a game or competition

In scene

to beat someone very easily in a game or competition

We destroyed the other team in the game

to end the life of a living thing

They had to destroy the sick dog

to damage something so badly that it cannot be fixed

The storm destroyed the village

happening most of the time

In scene

happening most of the time

It is usual to see rain

happening most of the time

It was just a normal day

the thing someone normally chooses or does

I will order my usual

something that is normal or regularly happens

I'll have my usual coffee

in a better position than others

In scene

in a better position than others

She is ahead in the race

earlier than planned or expected

We arrived ahead of schedule

in the direction in front

Go straight ahead

coming or happening in the time to come

There are many challenges ahead

to make or become different

In scene

to make or become different

He needs to change his clothes

a difference or new situation

There was a big change in the weather

making something different

I need to change the plan

to make or become different

The weather is starting to change

to put on different clothes

Please change before we leave

money in the form of small metal coins

I have some change in my pocket

the coins or bills you get back after paying more than the cost

You forgot your change

to go from one place to another

I have to change trains there

a difference or new situation

This is a big change for us

to put different clothes on yourself

She went to change for the party

to put a new or fresh item in place of an old one

I need to change the battery

a play or film that includes songs and dancing

We saw a change at the theater

the theme or idea being discussed

It is time for a change of topic

to make something different

Please change the color of the wall

coming after the second in a series

In scene

coming after the second in a series

He is the third person in line

one of three equal parts of something

I ate a third of the pizza

coming after the second

March is the third month

if something happens

In scene

if something happens

Take an umbrella in case it rains

if something happens or as a preparation

Take an umbrella in case it rains

for use if something happens

Take an umbrella in case it rains

a person with a natural ability or talent for something

In scene

a person with a natural ability or talent for something

He is a natural at playing piano

as expected or usual

It is natural to feel nervous

existing in nature, not created by humans

We prefer natural food

a long pole with a flat blade used to move a boat through water

In scene

a long pole with a flat blade used to move a boat through water

He picked up the oar to row the boat

special knowledge or ability

In scene

special knowledge or ability

She has a lot of expertise in digital marketing

a person who holds very extreme political or religious views

In scene

a person who holds very extreme political or religious views

The group was labeled as extremist

in a truthful and sincere way

In scene

in a truthful and sincere way

Please answer honestly

skill or knowledge gained from doing something

In scene

skill or knowledge gained from doing something

She has a lot of experience

something that you do or go through

It was a great experience

to have a feeling or sensation

I experienced great joy

a group of people chosen to do a task

In scene

a group of people chosen to do a task

The committee met yesterday

up to the time when

In scene

up to the time when

I will work till five

a machine used to keep money in a shop

The cashier opened the till

up to the time when

Wait till tomorrow

up to the time when

Wait till she arrives

allowed to do something

In scene

allowed to do something

You are at liberty to leave whenever you wish

allowed to do something

You are at liberty to leave whenever you wish

a planned gathering of people

In scene

a planned gathering of people

I have a meeting at ten

to bring or come together in one place

I have a meeting tomorrow

to come into contact with someone or something

I had a meeting with my friend

to be about to do something

In scene

to be about to do something

I am gonna sleep now

to be planning or expecting to do something

I am gonna study hard

going to do something in the future

I am gonna call you later

a large vessel that travels on water

In scene

a large vessel that travels on water

The large ship crossed the ocean

to imagine or support two people as a romantic couple

I ship those two characters

the state or quality of having a particular characteristic

Friendship is very important

to send or transport goods

We will ship the order tomorrow

to ask God to protect or help

In scene

to ask God to protect or help

God bless you

to make someone feel happy or well

Her kindness blesses those around her

to feel very lucky or thankful

I feel blessed to have such a great family

to keep someone safe from harm

May God bless you and keep you safe

to make sounds showing you think something is funny

In scene

to make sounds showing you think something is funny

He is laughing at the joke

to make sounds with your voice because you think something is funny

In scene

to make sounds with your voice because you think something is funny

He is laughing at the joke

to make sounds with your voice when something is funny

She is laughing softly

to laugh with short quiet sounds

She is laughing at the joke

making someone agree to do something

In scene

making someone agree to do something

He gave a convincing argument

able to make someone believe something is true

He gave a convincing argument

able to work or act by itself

In scene

able to work or act by itself

The factory uses autonomous robots

the part of a country's military that fights in the air

In scene

the part of a country's military that fights in the air

He joined the air force after university

a group of people organized for military air operations

The air force protects the country

the form or shape of a person or thing

In scene

the form or shape of a person or thing

It is a strange figure

a written symbol representing a number

The figure is written here

to understand something after thinking

I can't figure it out

a person who is important or known

He is a leading figure in politics

to look at things in a relaxed way

In scene

to look at things in a relaxed way

I like to browse in bookstores

to look at things in a relaxed way without a specific plan

I like to browse through the shop

extremely great in amount or degree

In scene

extremely great in amount or degree

They won by an overwhelming majority

very strong or powerful

The workload was overwhelming

to feel unable to cope because of too much

The workload is overwhelming

to force someone to accept an idea using pressure

In scene

to force someone to accept an idea using pressure

They tried to brainwash him

to think about the past

In scene

to think about the past

I look back on my childhood fondly

to feel sad about a past decision or action

He looks back on his choice with regret

to turn your head and look behind you

She looked back to see who was there

to stay alive after a dangerous event

In scene

to stay alive after a dangerous event

He survived the accident

to continue to live after someone else has died

He survived his wife by ten years

to continue to exist after a difficult situation

They survived the earthquake

to continue to live

Plants cannot survive without water

having great strength or effect

In scene

having great strength or effect

He is a powerful leader

a sound expressing confusion or asking for repetition

In scene

a sound expressing confusion or asking for repetition

Huh? Who is that?

used to ask if the listener understands or agrees

It's hot, huh?

the mental strength to do something difficult

In scene

the mental strength to do something difficult

He does not have the stomach for this

the part of the body where food goes

In scene

the part of the body where food goes

I have a full stomach

to be able to accept or deal with something unpleasant

In scene

to be able to accept or deal with something unpleasant

I cannot stomach his behavior

the organ inside the body that digests food

My stomach hurts

to use something without a good purpose

In scene

to use something without a good purpose

Stop wasting your time

in a way that breaks the law

In scene

in a way that breaks the law

He parked his car illegally

to look at or travel through a place to learn about it

In scene

to look at or travel through a place to learn about it

We want to explore the city

to look at or study something carefully

We need to explore this idea further

traveling to learn about a place

They want to explore the forest

to travel around a place to learn about it

They want to explore the island

relationships or links between people

In scene

relationships or links between people

They have strong family ties

a piece of cloth worn around the neck

He buys expensive ties

a link or relationship between people or things

They have strong family ties

to attach two things together with string or rope

He ties his shoes

in a way that is meant to be kept secret

In scene

in a way that is meant to be kept secret

I told her the news in confidence

the basic work that prepares for something

In scene

the basic work that prepares for something

They laid the groundwork for the new project

the basic work that is done to prepare for something

We need to do some groundwork before we start the project

a meeting to make arrangements for something

In scene

a meeting to make arrangements for something

We had a planning session for the project

the way a person or thing exists

In scene

the way a person or thing exists

Fish live in water

having life

The fish is still live

to have your home in a place

We live in a big house

happening at the same time as it is shown

The match is on live TV

the part of your mind that tells you if something is right or wrong

In scene

the part of your mind that tells you if something is right or wrong

My conscience told me to tell the truth

the inner feeling that tells you if what you do is right or wrong

Listen to your conscience

to ask someone to come or join

In scene

to ask someone to come or join

I will invite him to join us

a written or spoken request for someone to go somewhere or do something

I received an invite to the wedding

to make people want to come in or join

I will invite my friends to the party

to start to control something

In scene

to start to control something

He will take over the company

the act of taking control of a company or organization

They decided to take over the company

to bring something to a person or place

Can you take this over to her

to pass another vehicle while driving

It is dangerous to take over on a curve

a pipe that carries away water or waste

In scene

a pipe that carries away water or waste

The drain is blocked

to successfully make a shot in basketball

He drained the shot from the corner

to make liquid flow out of something

Drain the pasta

to use all of something until it is gone

The long meeting drained my energy

having a very small difference between two sides or amounts

In scene

having a very small difference between two sides or amounts

The election result was very tight

fitting very closely to the body

This shirt is too tight

in a comfortable and safe way

You will sleep tight

having a very small difference between two sides or amounts

The schedule is very tight

hard to deal with

We are in a tight situation

held strongly in place

The lid of the jar is tight

in a way that holds something very tightly

He held my hand tight

unwilling to spend money

He is too tight to pay for dinner

having strong control or rules

Security at the airport is tight

an experienced person who gives advice to someone less experienced

In scene

an experienced person who gives advice to someone less experienced

My mentor helped me with my career

a person who gives advice and help

He is a great mentor

to express dissatisfaction or unhappiness

In scene

to express dissatisfaction or unhappiness

He is always moaning about his job

to make a low sound of pain or pleasure

In scene

to make a low sound of pain or pleasure

He let out a low moan of pain

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