unit 1 expert

scrape through

to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation

pick a fight

to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone

master's degree

a university degree such as an MA, M.Sc. or M.S. that you can get by studying for one or two years after your first degree

work placement

a job, usually as part of a course of study, which gives you experience of a particular type of work

Shadow

to follow someone closely in order to watch what they are doing

set one's heart

to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do somethingI know you've set your heart on studying abroad, but won't you miss your friends?

against the odds

overcome difficulties which make a good result seem very unlikelyAgainst the odds Leo, the son of immigrants and from a poor neighbourhood, was accepted by Oxford University.

take someone on

to start to employ someoneAt the age of 14, my granddad was taken on by a plumbing company and trained as a plumber.

half-hearted

done without much effort and without much interest in the result

Take something in your stride

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you

Competitive

determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses

CV

a short written document that lists your education and previous jobs, which you send to employers when you are looking for a job

foresee

to think or know that something is going to happen in the future

Networking

the practice of meeting other people involved in the same kind of work, to share information, support each other etc

Portfolio

a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc

vouch for

to say that you believe that someone will behave well and that you will be responsible for their behaviour, actions etc

close-knit

a close-knit group of people is one in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support when they need it

we're very close-knit.

we're very close-knit.

take something personally

to get upset by the things other people say or do, because you think that their remarks or behaviour are directed at you in particular

she’s rude to everyone.

she’s rude to everyone.

make the best of something

to accept a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can to make it better

take no for an answer

accept it when somebody refuses you

he won't take no for an answer.

he won't take no for an answer.

hand in your resignation

officially say that you want to resign

be taken aback by

to be very surprised or shocked by something

I thought there would get married!

I thought there would get married!

take no notice of

not pay attention to someone or something

take pity on

feel sorry for someone and treat them with sympathy

take advantage of

to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded

high salary

a lot of money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for

main priority

the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else

tight deadlines

a date or time by which you have to do or complete something, which is not long away

heavy workload

a large amount of work that a person or organization has to do

have an impact

have an effect or influence an event, situation etc

stand someone in good stead

be very useful to someone when needed

snap something up

to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap

from all walks of life

every position in society

part and parcel

to be a necessary feature of something

crop up

if a problem crops up, it happens or appears suddenly and in an unexpected

Deceptive

something that is deceptive seems to be one thing but is in fact very different

recruitment

to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc

Playfulness

very active, happy, and wanting to have fun

additional

more than what was agreed or expected

productive

producing or achieving a lot

competitor

a person, team, company etc that is competing with another

doubtless

used when saying that something is almost certain to happen or be true

Trendy

influenced by the most fashionable styles and ideas

cutting edge

the newest and most exciting stage in the development of something

fumble around for

to try to hold, move, or find something with your hands in an awkward way

favourable

a favourable report, opinion, or reaction shows that you think that someone or something is good or that you agree with them

feasible

a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work

no-no

something that you must not do because it is considered to be unacceptable behaviour

butterflies in the stomach

to feel very nervous before doing something

link

if two things are linked, they are related in some way

slouch

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

fidget

to keep moving your hands or feet, especially because you are bored or nervous

long-winded

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boringHis speeches tend to be rather longwinded. Moderatenot very large or very small, very hot or very cold, very fast or very slow etc

Mumble

to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you

pay off

to give someone all the money you owe them

ramble on

to talk or write for a long time in a way that other people find boring

safety margin

an additional amount of something such as time, money, or space that you include in order to make sure that you are successful in achieving something

slouch

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

long-winded

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring

switch off

to stop listening to someone

vary

if several things of the same type vary, they are all different from each other

restless

unwilling to keep still or stay where you are, especially because you are nervous or bored

crash course

a course in which you learn a lot about a particular subject in a very short period of time

perhaps I'll go on a crash course.

perhaps I'll go on a crash course.

be reliant on

dependent on someone or something

in the vicinity

in the area around a particular place

liaise

to exchange information with someone who works in another organization or department so that you can both be more effective

assimilate

if people assimilate or are assimilated into a country or group, they become part of that group and are accepted by the people in that group

run-down

a building or area that is run-down is in very bad condition

master

to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it

stretch

to make someone use all of their skill, abilities, or intelligence

affluent

having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc

allocate

to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made

initiative

the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do

grasp ofyour ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject

She has only a limited grasp of Chinese, so she won't understand much when she gets to Beijing.

challenging

difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way

mutual respect

respect that two or more people have for each other

we have mutual respect.

we have mutual respect.

get over (an idea)

to succeed in communicating ideas or information to other people

disadvantaged

having social problems, such as a lack of money or education, which make it difficult for you to succeed

pilot project

a small project which is carried out as a test to see if an idea, product, etc will be successful

apprehensive

worried or nervous about something that you are going to do, or about the future

directionless

lacking a clear direction or aim

disillusioned

disappointed because you have lost your belief that someone is good, or that an idea is right

distracted

anxious and unable to think clearly

engaged

paying attention and interested

Inspired

having very exciting special qualities that are better than anyone or anything else

intimidated

feeling worried and lacking confidence because of the situation you are in or the people you are with

Motivated

very keen to do something or achieve something, especially because you find it interesting or exciting

muddled

confused

overwhelmed

if work or a problem overwhelms someone, it is too much or too difficult to deal with

passive

someone who is passive tends to accept things that happen to them or things that people say to them, without taking any action

pressurised

feeling worried, or making you feel worried, because of the number of things you have to do

they let me do what I want.

they let me do what I want.

relieved

feeling happy because you are no longer worried about something

self-conscious

worried and embarrassed about what you look like or what other people think of you

well-supported

to have enough money, emotional support, etc for what you need

Demoralising

reducing or destroying someone's courage or confidence

video clip

a short part of a film or television programme that is shown by itself, especially as an advertisement

communal

shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together

virtuoso

someone who is a very skilful performer, especially in music

not have a leg to stand on

to be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say

drop out

to no longer do an activity or belong to a group

hostile

angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them

cram

to prepare yourself for an examination by learning a lot of information quickly

figure out

to think about a problem or situation until you find the answer or understand what has happened

desperate

willing to do anything to change a very bad situation, and not caring about danger

turn someone round

if a person turns around, he/she changes and starts to develop in a positive way

expel

to officially force someone to leave a school or organization

mutual

mutual feelings such as respect, trust, or hatred are feelings that two or more people have for each other

nurture

to help a plan, idea, feeling etc to develop

pull yourself together

to force yourself to stop behaving in a nervous, frightened, or uncontrolled way

shame

the feeling you have when you feel guilty and embarrassed because you, or someone who is close to you, have done something wrong

rage

a strong feeling of uncontrollable anger

rough and ready

not perfect, but good enough for a particular purpose

scheme

an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training

shift

to move from one place or position to another, or make something do this

skive off

to avoid work or school by staying away or leaving without permission

substantial

large in amount or number

trigger

to make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events

instinctive

based on instinct and not involving thought

aggressive

behaving in an angry threatening way, as

hostile

angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them

scornful

feeling or showing scorn

distressed

very upset

indifferent

not at all interested in someone or something

disaffected

not satisfied with your government, leader etc, and therefore no longer loyal to them or no longer believing they can help you

resistant

not damaged or affected by something

see eye to eye

if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other

do as you are told

behave in the way someone has asked you to

get your own way

achieve the result you want

keep yourself to yourself

to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other people

I prefer to keep myself to myself.

I prefer to keep myself to myself.

rub people up the wrong way

to annoy someone by the things you say or do, usually without intending to

on a whim

a sudden feeling that you would like to do or have something, especially when there is no important or good reason

look up to

admire and respect

become close to someone

develop a strong relationship with someone

come across as

appear to have a particular quality, when this may or may not be true

good fun

enjoyable to be with because they are happy and amusing

dry sense of humour

someone with a dry sense of humour says funny and clever things while seeming to be serious

sometimes I can't tell if you're joking.

sometimes I can't tell if you're joking.

take after someone

to look or behave like an older relative

bond

something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea

underachieving

not doing as well at school or at work as they could do if they worked harder

lump together

to put two or more different people or things together and consider them as a single group, sometimes wrongly

group dynamic

the way in which people in a group behave, react, and affect each other

misbehave

to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people

Despise

to dislike and have a low opinion of someone or something

lurk

to wait somewhere quietly and secretly, usually because you are going to do something wrong

aspect

one part of a situation, idea, plan etc that has many parts

awkward

making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say

catch unawares

if something catches you unawares, it happens when you are not expecting it and are not prepared

cotton on

to begin to understand something

turn down

refuse

Obsessive

thinking or worrying about something all the time, so that you do not think about other things enough – used to show disapproval

implication

a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc

wear off

if pain or the effect of something wears off, it gradually stops

turn out (to be)

to happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially one that you did not expect

put one's foot down

to say very firmly that someone must do something or must stop doing something

dawn on

if a fact dawns on you, you realize it for the first time

simplistic

difficult subjects in a way that is too simple

tendency

if someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become it

subtlety

the quality that something has when it has been done in a clever or skilful way, with careful attention to small details

impact

the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something

be glued to

to look at something with all your attention

split up with

if people split up, they end a marriage or relationship with each other

can't help oneself

used to say that someone is unable to change their behaviour or feelings, or to prevent themselves from doing something

take in one's stride

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you:

go over old ground

talk about the same things

liable

likely to do or say something or to behave in a particular way, especially because of a fault or natural tendency

sneak

to quickly and secretly steal something unimportant or of little value

flatter

to praise someone in order to please them or get something from them, even though you do not mean it

Astounded

very surprised or shocked

accountable

responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain or be criticized for them

be woven into

past participle of weave

to put many different ideas, subjects, stories etc together and connect them smoothly

Summers at the beach are woven into my childhood memories.

a fair bit of

a reasonable amount

constructive

useful and helpful, or likely to produce good results

impose limitations

force to accept rules

peer

your peers are the people who are the same age as you, or who have the same type of job, social class etc

so much the better

used to say that something would be even better or bring even more advantages

radical

a radical change or difference is very big and important

rave notice

strong praise for a new play, book etc

reluctant

slow and unwilling

intend

to have something in your mind as a plan or purpose

rigorous

careful, thorough, and exact

soft option

easy choice

fire with

made to feel interested in something and excited about it

come to terms with

to accept an unpleasant or sad situation and no longer feel upset or angry about it

demanding

needing a lot of ability, effort, or skill

transferable

the quality of being able to move from one place, school, job etc to another

scrape through

to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation

pick a fight

to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone

master's degree

a university degree such as an MA, M.Sc. or M.S. that you can get by studying for one or two years after your first degree

work placement

a job, usually as part of a course of study, which gives you experience of a particular type of work

Shadow

to follow someone closely in order to watch what they are doing

set one's heart

to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do somethingI know you've set your heart on studying abroad, but won't you miss your friends?

against the odds

overcome difficulties which make a good result seem very unlikelyAgainst the odds Leo, the son of immigrants and from a poor neighbourhood, was accepted by Oxford University.

take someone on

to start to employ someoneAt the age of 14, my granddad was taken on by a plumbing company and trained as a plumber.

half-hearted

done without much effort and without much interest in the result

Take something in your stride

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you

Competitive

determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses

CV

a short written document that lists your education and previous jobs, which you send to employers when you are looking for a job

foresee

to think or know that something is going to happen in the future

Networking

the practice of meeting other people involved in the same kind of work, to share information, support each other etc

Portfolio

a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc

vouch for

to say that you believe that someone will behave well and that you will be responsible for their behaviour, actions etc

close-knit

a close-knit group of people is one in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support when they need it

we're very close-knit.

we're very close-knit.

take something personally

to get upset by the things other people say or do, because you think that their remarks or behaviour are directed at you in particular

she’s rude to everyone.

she’s rude to everyone.

make the best of something

to accept a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can to make it better

take no for an answer

accept it when somebody refuses you

he won't take no for an answer.

he won't take no for an answer.

hand in your resignation

officially say that you want to resign

be taken aback by

to be very surprised or shocked by something

I thought there would get married!

I thought there would get married!

take no notice of

not pay attention to someone or something

take pity on

feel sorry for someone and treat them with sympathy

take advantage of

to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded

high salary

a lot of money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for

main priority

the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else

tight deadlines

a date or time by which you have to do or complete something, which is not long away

heavy workload

a large amount of work that a person or organization has to do

have an impact

have an effect or influence an event, situation etc

stand someone in good stead

be very useful to someone when needed

snap something up

to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap

from all walks of life

every position in society

part and parcel

to be a necessary feature of something

crop up

if a problem crops up, it happens or appears suddenly and in an unexpected

Deceptive

something that is deceptive seems to be one thing but is in fact very different

recruitment

to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc

Playfulness

very active, happy, and wanting to have fun

additional

more than what was agreed or expected

productive

producing or achieving a lot

competitor

a person, team, company etc that is competing with another

doubtless

used when saying that something is almost certain to happen or be true

Trendy

influenced by the most fashionable styles and ideas

cutting edge

the newest and most exciting stage in the development of something

fumble around for

to try to hold, move, or find something with your hands in an awkward way

favourable

a favourable report, opinion, or reaction shows that you think that someone or something is good or that you agree with them

feasible

a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work

no-no

something that you must not do because it is considered to be unacceptable behaviour

butterflies in the stomach

to feel very nervous before doing something

link

if two things are linked, they are related in some way

slouch

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

fidget

to keep moving your hands or feet, especially because you are bored or nervous

long-winded

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boringHis speeches tend to be rather longwinded. Moderatenot very large or very small, very hot or very cold, very fast or very slow etc

Mumble

to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you

pay off

to give someone all the money you owe them

ramble on

to talk or write for a long time in a way that other people find boring

safety margin

an additional amount of something such as time, money, or space that you include in order to make sure that you are successful in achieving something

slouch

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

long-winded

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring

switch off

to stop listening to someone

vary

if several things of the same type vary, they are all different from each other

restless

unwilling to keep still or stay where you are, especially because you are nervous or bored

crash course

a course in which you learn a lot about a particular subject in a very short period of time

perhaps I'll go on a crash course.

perhaps I'll go on a crash course.

be reliant on

dependent on someone or something

in the vicinity

in the area around a particular place

liaise

to exchange information with someone who works in another organization or department so that you can both be more effective

assimilate

if people assimilate or are assimilated into a country or group, they become part of that group and are accepted by the people in that group

run-down

a building or area that is run-down is in very bad condition

master

to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it

stretch

to make someone use all of their skill, abilities, or intelligence

affluent

having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc

allocate

to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made

initiative

the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do

grasp ofyour ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject

She has only a limited grasp of Chinese, so she won't understand much when she gets to Beijing.

challenging

difficult in an interesting or enjoyable way

mutual respect

respect that two or more people have for each other

we have mutual respect.

we have mutual respect.

get over (an idea)

to succeed in communicating ideas or information to other people

disadvantaged

having social problems, such as a lack of money or education, which make it difficult for you to succeed

pilot project

a small project which is carried out as a test to see if an idea, product, etc will be successful

apprehensive

worried or nervous about something that you are going to do, or about the future

directionless

lacking a clear direction or aim

disillusioned

disappointed because you have lost your belief that someone is good, or that an idea is right

distracted

anxious and unable to think clearly

engaged

paying attention and interested

Inspired

having very exciting special qualities that are better than anyone or anything else

intimidated

feeling worried and lacking confidence because of the situation you are in or the people you are with

Motivated

very keen to do something or achieve something, especially because you find it interesting or exciting

muddled

confused

overwhelmed

if work or a problem overwhelms someone, it is too much or too difficult to deal with

passive

someone who is passive tends to accept things that happen to them or things that people say to them, without taking any action

pressurised

feeling worried, or making you feel worried, because of the number of things you have to do

they let me do what I want.

they let me do what I want.

relieved

feeling happy because you are no longer worried about something

self-conscious

worried and embarrassed about what you look like or what other people think of you

well-supported

to have enough money, emotional support, etc for what you need

Demoralising

reducing or destroying someone's courage or confidence

video clip

a short part of a film or television programme that is shown by itself, especially as an advertisement

communal

shared by a group of people or animals, especially a group who live together

virtuoso

someone who is a very skilful performer, especially in music

not have a leg to stand on

to be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say

drop out

to no longer do an activity or belong to a group

hostile

angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them

cram

to prepare yourself for an examination by learning a lot of information quickly

figure out

to think about a problem or situation until you find the answer or understand what has happened

desperate

willing to do anything to change a very bad situation, and not caring about danger

turn someone round

if a person turns around, he/she changes and starts to develop in a positive way

expel

to officially force someone to leave a school or organization

mutual

mutual feelings such as respect, trust, or hatred are feelings that two or more people have for each other

nurture

to help a plan, idea, feeling etc to develop

pull yourself together

to force yourself to stop behaving in a nervous, frightened, or uncontrolled way

shame

the feeling you have when you feel guilty and embarrassed because you, or someone who is close to you, have done something wrong

rage

a strong feeling of uncontrollable anger

rough and ready

not perfect, but good enough for a particular purpose

scheme

an official plan that is intended to help people in some way, for example by providing education or training

shift

to move from one place or position to another, or make something do this

skive off

to avoid work or school by staying away or leaving without permission

substantial

large in amount or number

trigger

to make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events

instinctive

based on instinct and not involving thought

aggressive

behaving in an angry threatening way, as

hostile

angry and deliberately unfriendly towards someone, and ready to argue with them

scornful

feeling or showing scorn

distressed

very upset

indifferent

not at all interested in someone or something

disaffected

not satisfied with your government, leader etc, and therefore no longer loyal to them or no longer believing they can help you

resistant

not damaged or affected by something

see eye to eye

if two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other

do as you are told

behave in the way someone has asked you to

get your own way

achieve the result you want

keep yourself to yourself

to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other people

I prefer to keep myself to myself.

I prefer to keep myself to myself.

rub people up the wrong way

to annoy someone by the things you say or do, usually without intending to

on a whim

a sudden feeling that you would like to do or have something, especially when there is no important or good reason

look up to

admire and respect

become close to someone

develop a strong relationship with someone

come across as

appear to have a particular quality, when this may or may not be true

good fun

enjoyable to be with because they are happy and amusing

dry sense of humour

someone with a dry sense of humour says funny and clever things while seeming to be serious

sometimes I can't tell if you're joking.

sometimes I can't tell if you're joking.

take after someone

to look or behave like an older relative

bond

something that unites two or more people or groups, such as love, or a shared interest or idea

underachieving

not doing as well at school or at work as they could do if they worked harder

lump together

to put two or more different people or things together and consider them as a single group, sometimes wrongly

group dynamic

the way in which people in a group behave, react, and affect each other

misbehave

to behave badly, and cause trouble or annoy people

Despise

to dislike and have a low opinion of someone or something

lurk

to wait somewhere quietly and secretly, usually because you are going to do something wrong

aspect

one part of a situation, idea, plan etc that has many parts

awkward

making you feel embarrassed so that you are not sure what to do or say

catch unawares

if something catches you unawares, it happens when you are not expecting it and are not prepared

cotton on

to begin to understand something

turn down

refuse

Obsessive

thinking or worrying about something all the time, so that you do not think about other things enough – used to show disapproval

implication

a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc

wear off

if pain or the effect of something wears off, it gradually stops

turn out (to be)

to happen in a particular way, or to have a particular result, especially one that you did not expect

put one's foot down

to say very firmly that someone must do something or must stop doing something

dawn on

if a fact dawns on you, you realize it for the first time

simplistic

difficult subjects in a way that is too simple

tendency

if someone or something has a tendency to do or become a particular thing, they are likely to do or become it

subtlety

the quality that something has when it has been done in a clever or skilful way, with careful attention to small details

impact

the effect or influence that an event, situation etc has on someone or something

be glued to

to look at something with all your attention

split up with

if people split up, they end a marriage or relationship with each other

can't help oneself

used to say that someone is unable to change their behaviour or feelings, or to prevent themselves from doing something

take in one's stride

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you:

go over old ground

talk about the same things

liable

likely to do or say something or to behave in a particular way, especially because of a fault or natural tendency

sneak

to quickly and secretly steal something unimportant or of little value

flatter

to praise someone in order to please them or get something from them, even though you do not mean it

Astounded

very surprised or shocked

accountable

responsible for the effects of your actions and willing to explain or be criticized for them

be woven into

past participle of weave

to put many different ideas, subjects, stories etc together and connect them smoothly

Summers at the beach are woven into my childhood memories.

a fair bit of

a reasonable amount

constructive

useful and helpful, or likely to produce good results

impose limitations

force to accept rules

peer

your peers are the people who are the same age as you, or who have the same type of job, social class etc

so much the better

used to say that something would be even better or bring even more advantages

radical

a radical change or difference is very big and important

rave notice

strong praise for a new play, book etc

reluctant

slow and unwilling

intend

to have something in your mind as a plan or purpose

rigorous

careful, thorough, and exact

soft option

easy choice

fire with

made to feel interested in something and excited about it

come to terms with

to accept an unpleasant or sad situation and no longer feel upset or angry about it

demanding

needing a lot of ability, effort, or skill

transferable

the quality of being able to move from one place, school, job etc to another

scrape through

to only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation

pick a fight

to deliberately start a quarrel or fight with someone

master's degree

a university degree such as an MA, M.Sc. or M.S. that you can get by studying for one or two years after your first degree

work placement

a job, usually as part of a course of study, which gives you experience of a particular type of work

Shadow

to follow someone closely in order to watch what they are doing

set one's heart

to want very much to have or achieve something, or to be determined to do somethingI know you've set your heart on studying abroad, but won't you miss your friends?

against the odds

overcome difficulties which make a good result seem very unlikelyAgainst the odds Leo, the son of immigrants and from a poor neighbourhood, was accepted by Oxford University.

take someone on

to start to employ someoneAt the age of 14, my granddad was taken on by a plumbing company and trained as a plumber.

half-hearted

done without much effort and without much interest in the result

Take something in your stride

to not allow something to annoy, embarrass, or upset you

Competitive

determined or trying very hard to be more successful than other people or businesses

CV

a short written document that lists your education and previous jobs, which you send to employers when you are looking for a job

foresee

to think or know that something is going to happen in the future

Networking

the practice of meeting other people involved in the same kind of work, to share information, support each other etc

Portfolio

a large flat case used especially for carrying pictures, documents etc

vouch for

to say that you believe that someone will behave well and that you will be responsible for their behaviour, actions etc

close-knit

a close-knit group of people is one in which everyone knows each other well and gives each other support when they need it

we're very close-knit.

we're very close-knit.

take something personally

to get upset by the things other people say or do, because you think that their remarks or behaviour are directed at you in particular

she’s rude to everyone.

she’s rude to everyone.

make the best of something

to accept a situation that is not very good, and do whatever you can to make it better

take no for an answer

accept it when somebody refuses you

he won't take no for an answer.

he won't take no for an answer.

hand in your resignation

officially say that you want to resign

be taken aback by

to be very surprised or shocked by something

I thought there would get married!

I thought there would get married!

take no notice of

not pay attention to someone or something

take pity on

feel sorry for someone and treat them with sympathy

take advantage of

to treat someone unfairly in order to get what you want, especially someone who is generous or easily persuaded

high salary

a lot of money that you receive as payment from the organization you work for

main priority

the thing that you think is most important and that needs attention before anything else

tight deadlines

a date or time by which you have to do or complete something, which is not long away

heavy workload

a large amount of work that a person or organization has to do

have an impact

have an effect or influence an event, situation etc

stand someone in good stead

be very useful to someone when needed

snap something up

to buy something immediately, especially because it is very cheap

from all walks of life

every position in society

part and parcel

to be a necessary feature of something

crop up

if a problem crops up, it happens or appears suddenly and in an unexpected

Deceptive

something that is deceptive seems to be one thing but is in fact very different

recruitment

to find new people to work in a company, join an organization, do a job etc

Playfulness

very active, happy, and wanting to have fun

additional

more than what was agreed or expected

productive

producing or achieving a lot

competitor

a person, team, company etc that is competing with another

doubtless

used when saying that something is almost certain to happen or be true

Trendy

influenced by the most fashionable styles and ideas

cutting edge

the newest and most exciting stage in the development of something

fumble around for

to try to hold, move, or find something with your hands in an awkward way

favourable

a favourable report, opinion, or reaction shows that you think that someone or something is good or that you agree with them

feasible

a plan, idea, or method that is feasible is possible and is likely to work

no-no

something that you must not do because it is considered to be unacceptable behaviour

butterflies in the stomach

to feel very nervous before doing something

link

if two things are linked, they are related in some way

slouch

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

fidget

to keep moving your hands or feet, especially because you are bored or nervous

long-winded

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boringHis speeches tend to be rather longwinded. Moderatenot very large or very small, very hot or very cold, very fast or very slow etc

Mumble

to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you

pay off

to give someone all the money you owe them

ramble on

to talk or write for a long time in a way that other people find boring

safety margin

an additional amount of something such as time, money, or space that you include in order to make sure that you are successful in achieving something

slouch

to stand, sit, or walk with a slouch

long-winded

continuing to talk for too long or using too many words in a way that is boring

switch off

to stop listening to someone

vary

if several things of the same type vary, they are all different from each other

restless

unwilling to keep still or stay where you are, especially because you are nervous or bored

crash course

a course in which you learn a lot about a particular subject in a very short period of time

perhaps I'll go on a crash course.

perhaps I'll go on a crash course.

be reliant on

dependent on someone or something

in the vicinity

in the area around a particular place

liaise

to exchange information with someone who works in another organization or department so that you can both be more effective

assimilate

if people assimilate or are assimilated into a country or group, they become part of that group and are accepted by the people in that group

run-down

a building or area that is run-down is in very bad condition

master

to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it

stretch

to make someone use all of their skill, abilities, or intelligence

affluent

having plenty of money, nice houses, expensive things etc

allocate

to use something for a particular purpose, give something to a particular person etc, especially after an official decision has been made

initiative

the ability to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do

grasp ofyour ability to understand a complicated idea, situation, or subject

She has only a limited grasp of Chinese, so she won't understand much when she gets to Beijing.