Understanding English Expressions and Vocabulary

Give an angry look

To look at somebody in a way that shows you are annoyed with them.

Give a blank look

To look back at someone with a neutral look on one's face.

Give a cold look

Without emotion; unfriendly.

Give a knowing look

A knowing look is one that shows that you understand something, even though it has not been mentioned directly.

A breathtaking view

Very exciting or impressive (usually in a pleasant way).

Have good/poor eyesight

A good or poor ability to see; faculty of sight.

An idealistic vision

Be hidden from view

Not shown or exhibited.

Be visible to/with the naked eye

To need a device in order to be able to see something.

Be invisible to/with the naked eye

Something that can't be seen without the help of an instrument.

Catch a glimpse of sb/sth

To see someone or something briefly; To get a quick look at someone or something.

Catch one's eye

To attract one's attention, cause notice, stand out.

Catch sight of sth

To glimpse, notice sth.

Come into view

To become visible; to move closer so as to be seen.

Keep out of sight

To remain unseen, as by hiding or evasion.

Look out for sth

Be on the alert. To try to notice something.

At first sight

When someone or something is seen for the first time.

At first glance

When first considering something, before having a chance to look at it carefully.

In full view of sb

Completely visible, directly in front of somebody/something.

In the public eye

Well known to many people through newspapers and television.

In sight

Visible, within view.

An avid reader

If you're an avid reader, it means you read as much as you can, whenever you can.

Put sth (down) in writing

Record something in writing.

Write sth into a contract or law

Income

Money received during a given period.

Input

Something put into a system or expended in its operation to achieve output or a result.

Insight

Insight (into something) an understanding of what something is like.

Outburst

A sudden release of strong emotion.

Outline

The main ideas or facts about something, without the details.

Turnout

The number of people who attend a particular event.

Output

Output: the amount of something that a person, a machine or an organization produces.

Outset

The beginning of something. / Outbreak of war

Breakout

A violent escape, especially by a group, from prison.

Knockout

A person or thing that is very attractive or impressive, or a blow that makes an opponent fall to the ground and be unable to get up, so that he or she loses the fight.

Upbringing

The education and care received during childhood. The process of being brought up.

Uprising

Uprising (against something) a situation in which a group of people join together in order to fight against the people who are in power.

Uproar

Upset

A situation in which there are problems or difficulties, especially when these are unexpected.

Upturn

To rise or increase something.

Downfall

The loss of somebody's money, power, social position, etc.

Downpour

A heavy fall of rain that often starts suddenly.

To pour down

To rain heavily.

Downside

The negative aspect of something otherwise regarded as good or desirable.

Downturn

A fall in the amount of business that is done; a time when the economy becomes weaker.

Comeback

A return to formerly enjoyed status or prosperity.

Drawback

A disadvantage or problem that makes something a less attractive idea.

Setback

A difficulty or problem that delays or prevents something, or makes a situation worse.