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B2 — Upper Intermediate

Expressions for upper-intermediate English learners

daily-life B2

burn the midnight oil

Understand the idiom 'burn the midnight oil,' see how to use it in daily life, and learn common mistakes.
daily-life B2

by leaps and bounds

Discover how to use the idiom 'by leaps and bounds' to describe rapid progress and incredible growth in your daily English conversations and professional life.
business B2

by the book

Master the expression 'by the book' to describe following rules, regulations, or procedures exactly as written in professional contexts.
business B2

carry out

Learn how to use the formal phrasal verb 'carry out' in business contexts to describe executing plans, tasks, or research.
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travel B2

catch the sun

Learn how to use the British English expression 'catch the sun' to describe getting a bit sunburned or tanned.
business B2

circle back

Discover the meaning of the professional English phrase 'circle back'. Learn how to use it to follow up on discussions, projects, or decisions later in a business setting.
academic B2

cite sources

Learn how and why to use the academic phrase 'cite sources' correctly in essays and research papers.
relationships B2

clear the air

Understand the idiom 'clear the air' in English. Learn how to use it to describe resolving conflicts and misunderstandings in daily relationships.
entertainment B2

cliffhanger ending

What is a 'cliffhanger ending'? Learn how to describe stories, TV show episodes, or books that leave you suspended in suspense.
business B2

climb the corporate ladder

Learn how to use the idiom 'climb the corporate ladder' to describe career advancement and promotion within a company structure.
daily-life B2

come up with

Learn how to use the phrasal verb 'come up with' to talk about creating ideas, solutions, or plans.
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academic B2

conduct an experiment

Master the academic collocation 'conduct an experiment' with examples, common mistakes, and practice.
daily-life B2

cost an arm and a leg

Discover the meaning of 'cost an arm and a leg' and how to use this common idiom to talk about very expensive items.
academic B2

critical thinking

Learn the meaning of critical thinking, how to use it in academic contexts, and common mistakes to avoid.
entertainment B2

critically acclaimed

What does 'critically acclaimed' mean? Learn how to use this formal English phrase to describe highly praised movies, books, and plays.
travel B2

culture shock

Understand 'culture shock' and learn how to describe the feeling of disorientation when visiting a new country.
daily-life B2

cut down on

Learn how to use the phrasal verb 'cut down on' in daily English conversations with useful examples, common mistakes, and interactive practice tests.
business B2

draw up a contract

Master the business collocation 'draw up a contract' to professionally describe preparing and writing official legal agreements.
relationships B2

drift apart

Learn how to use 'drift apart' to describe relationships that slowly lose closeness over time.
academic B2

drop out

Understand the phrasal verb 'drop out' in academic contexts, including common mistakes and real-world examples.