English vocabulary (1984)

23 flashcards · English · by charlie42

1. an interesting medley of flavours

   a varied mixture of people or things

2. "her brother was slim where she was rotund

   (of a person) large and plump

3. the Minister may have exceeded the powers conferred on him by Parliament

   grant (a title, degree, benefit, or right)

4. scrubby tuft of grass

   a bunch or collection of threads, grass, hair, etc., held or growing together at the base. Russian: пучок травы

5. "he harangued the public on their ignorance"

   lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner.

6. They are easily distinguished from song thrushes.

   a bird with spots that is known for its singing Russian: дрозд

7. "the security people were very officious"

   assertive of authority in a domineering way, especially with regard to trivial matters.

8. the defendants were actuated by malice

   cause (someone) to act in a particular way; motivate.

9. an elegant gilded birdcage

   covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint.

10. "I had an altercation with the ticket collector"

    a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public.

11. "three geese waddled across the road"

    walk with short steps and a clumsy swaying motion.

12. "such sentiments are just pious claptrap"

    absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas.

13. He's been staying in a dingy motel

    gloomy, drab, dirty

14. He justified his actions with specious reasoning.

    superficially plausible, but actually wrong.

15. he finished the day battered and bruised

    injured by repeated blows or punishment.

16. "an agent who later turns out to be a renegade"

    a person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles.

17. "they are charming and urbane"

    (of a person) courteous and refined in manner.

18. Each figure had a sash across his front saying his name and what he was good at.

    a band worn about the waist or over one shoulder and used as a dress accessory or the emblem of an honorary or military order

19. Rain is forecast though, so that could throw a spanner in the works.

    a tool with a shaped opening or jaws for gripping and turning a nut or bolt (AM: wrench).

20. "I furtively glanced over at my father to see his reaction"

    in a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention; secretively.

21. a small alcove in one corner of the backyard garden

    a recess in the wall of a room or garden.

22. police officers were forced to use their truncheons on the rioters

    a short, thick stick carried as a weapon by a police officer.

23. Murder and sordid affairs in a holiday camp?

    involving immoral or dishonourable actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.