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B2 — Upper Intermediate

Expressions for upper-intermediate English learners

food-cooking B2

take it with a grain of salt

Learn how to use 'take it with a grain of salt' to express healthy skepticism about information or advice that might be exaggerated or not completely accurate.
relationships B2

take offense

Understand the meaning of 'take offense' and learn how to use this phrase to describe feeling hurt, insulted, or annoyed by someone's words.
relationships B2

take sides

Learn what 'take sides' means and how to use this phrase when discussing conflicts, arguments, and staying neutral in relationships.
business B2

take the initiative

Discover how to use 'take the initiative' in professional environments to describe taking action without being told what to do.
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business B2

talk shop

Learn the meaning of the casual business idiom 'talk shop' and how to use it when people discuss work during their free time.
travel B2

taxi rank

Master the British English term "taxi rank" to easily find designated cab lines at airports, train stations, and city streets on your next travel adventure.
entertainment B2

tear-jerker

Discover what 'tear-jerker' means and how to use this casual term to describe sad, emotional movies, books, or songs.
daily-life B2

tell apart

Learn how to use the phrasal verb 'tell apart' to describe distinguishing between two similar people, animals, or things in daily life.
business B2

the driving force

Understand the phrase 'the driving force' and how to use it to describe a person, idea, or factor that motivates and pushes a project forward.
academic B2

theoretical framework

Understand the term 'theoretical framework' for your essays and research papers. Learn its correct academic usage, pronunciation, and see daily examples.
academic B2

thesis statement

Master the concept of a thesis statement, learn where it belongs in your academic essay, and explore real examples to improve your formal writing skills.
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business B2

think ahead

Master the phrasal verb 'think ahead' to talk about future planning, preparation, and strategic foresight in professional contexts.
relationships B2

think back

Learn how to use 'think back' to talk about recalling past memories, reflecting on personal experiences, and sharing nostalgia.
business B2

think it over

Learn how to use the casual phrasal verb 'think it over' to politely ask for time before making a decision.
business B2

think long-term

Learn how to use 'think long-term' to describe strategic planning and focusing on future goals rather than immediate results.
business B2

think through

Understand how to use 'think through' in business contexts to describe analyzing all aspects and consequences of a plan.
relationships B2

think twice

Learn the meaning of the common English idiom 'think twice' and how to use it to advise caution.
travel B2

three-course meal

Understand what a 'three-course meal' is and how to order or describe this classic dining experience when traveling.
entertainment B2

throw a curveball

Learn the meaning of 'throw a curveball,' how to use it in casual conversations, and see natural English examples.
relationships B2

throw a tantrum

Learn the meaning of 'throw a tantrum' (or 'temper tantrum') and how to describe childish outbursts of anger in English.