all 19,295 words · one row per spelling
Word ranking
Ranked by how often each word appears in film and television subtitles — the first 15,258 spellings, from the ones you cannot avoid to the ones you will only ever read. Words the frequency norms never measured follow at the end, A to Z.
Off the charts — the norms never met these
Mostly phrases, rare senses and bookish words the subtitle corpus has no sighting of. Alphabetical, because any number would be a guess.
- —pros and consThe arguments for and against something.B2
- —proscriptionAn official forbidding of something.C2
- —protective gearClothing and equipment worn to prevent injury.B2
- —protractTo draw something out longer than it need be.C2
- —protuberanceA rounded part that sticks out from a surface.C2
- —provenance gapA missing stretch in an object's ownership history.C2
- —provide forTo supply somebody with what they need to live.B2
- —proxy serverA machine that fetches things on your behalf.C1
- —psychoticExperiencing a loss of contact with reality.C2
- —pterodactylA flying reptile of the dinosaur age, with wings of skin.C2
- —pterosaurA flying reptile of the age of the great lizards.B2
- —public sectorThe part of the economy run by the state.B2
- —public transportBuses and trains that anybody may pay to use.B1
- —puerto ricoSpanish-speaking Caribbean island that is a US territory.B2
- —puff upTo swell out, or to make somebody conceited.C1
- —pufferfishThe fish that blows itself into a spiky balloon when scared.B2
- —puissanceGreat power or influence, in old use.C2
- —puissantPowerful and mighty, in old use.C2
- —pull buoyA float held between the legs to work the arms.C1
- —pull offTo succeed in doing something difficult.C1
- —pull outTo withdraw from an agreement or undertaking.B2
- —pull out all the stopsTo make every possible effort.C1
- —pull overTo move to the side of the road and stop.B2
- —pull requestA proposal to merge your changes into the main line.C1
- —pull someone's legTo tease someone by making them believe a joke.B2
- —pull stringsTo use private influence to get something arranged.C1
- —pull throughTo survive a serious illness or crisis.B2
- —pull yourself togetherTo regain control of your emotions.B2
- —pulsateTo beat or throb with a strong, steady rhythm.B2
- —pulse rateHow many times a heart beats in a minute.B2
- —punnetA small light basket for soft fruit.C1
- —purchase orderThe document authorising a supplier to be paid.B2
- —purification tabletA tablet that makes wild water safe to drink.C1
- —purse your lipsTo press the lips together in disapproval.C1
- —push aroundTo treat somebody roughly and give them orders.B2
- —push the envelopeTo go past the usual limits of what is done.C1
- —pushchairThe folding seat a small child is pushed in.B1
- —put acrossTo express an idea so others take it in.B2
- —put awayTo return something to its proper place.A2
- —put backTo return something to its previous place.A2
- —put downTo place something on a surface.B1
- —put down toTo explain something as being caused by.B2
- —put forwardTo offer an idea or name for consideration.B2
- —put inTo devote time or effort to something.B2
- —put offTo move something to a later time, again and again.B1
- —put onTo dress yourself in an item of clothing.A1
- —put something in perspectiveTo see how much a thing really matters beside others.B2
- —put togetherTo assemble something from its parts.B1
- —put two and two togetherTo work out the truth from the clues you have.C1
- —put up withTo tolerate something annoying without protest.B2
- —put your feet upTo sit back and rest properly.B2
- —put your foot in itTo say something that causes embarrassment.C1
- —puzzle outTo work something out by hard thought.B2
- —puzzle overTo think hard about something you cannot make sense of.B2
- —quad bikeA four-wheeled off-road machine you sit astride.B2
- —quality controlChecking that goods meet the required standard.B2
- —quarter hourA period of fifteen minutes.A2
- —quartziteA very hard rock formed from pressed sandstone.C2
- —quaverA trembling in the voice.C2
- —queen beeThe single egg-laying female a colony is built around.B1
- —querulousComplaining in a whining tone.C2
- —question markThe punctuation mark used at the end of a question.B1
- —queue upTo stand in line waiting your turn.B1
- —quick-wittedFast to understand and to respond.B2
- —quiescentQuiet and inactive for the time being.C2
- —quintainA target set up for knights to charge at in practice.C2
- —rack your brainsTo search your memory hard for something.C1
- —radiator grilleThe slotted panel at the front that lets air to the cooling water.C1
- —radiographerThe technician who takes images inside the body.C1
- —ragA piece of old torn cloth used for cleaning.B1
- —rail againstTo complain bitterly and at length about something.C1
- —railcardA card that gets you cheaper train fares.B1
- —rain gaugeA container that measures how much rain has fallen.B2
- —rain on someone's paradeTo spoil somebody's enjoyment of their moment.C1
- —raining cats and dogsPouring with very heavy rain.B1
- —raise a familyTo have children and bring them up.B1
- —raise a questionTo bring a matter up for consideration.B2
- —raise an eyebrowTo lift one brow in doubt or surprise.B2
- —raise awarenessTo make more people know about something.B2
- —raise moneyTo collect funds for a purpose.B1
- —raise the barTo set a higher standard than before.B2
- —ramekinA small round dish for baking one portion.C1
- —ramificationA consequence that branches out from a decision.C1
- —rampageA period of violent, uncontrolled and destructive behaviour.C1
- —rangyTall, thin and long-limbed.C1
- —rankleTo keep causing bitter resentment.C2
- —rapineThe violent seizing of property in war.C2
- —rare booksVolumes valuable for their age or scarcity.B2
- —rate limitA cap on how often you may call a service.C1
- —ratepayerSomeone who pays the local charge on a property.C2
- —rationalismThe view that reason rather than faith should guide us.C1
- —ratterA dog or cat kept for killing vermin.C2
- —rattle offTo say a long list quickly and without effort.C1
- —raw fileThe unprocessed data straight off a camera sensor.B2
- —raw materialThe basic substance a thing is manufactured from.B2
- —razor burnSore red skin left by shaving.C1
- —reach a conclusionTo arrive at a settled judgement.B2
- —read between the linesTo find the meaning that is hinted but never said.B2
- —read receiptThe mark showing a message has been seen.B2
- —read up onTo study a subject by reading about it.B2
- —reading roomA quiet room set aside for study.B1
- —real estateLand and buildings considered as property.B2
- —rearmostFurthest to the back.C1
- —rearviewDescribing the mirror showing the view behind a vehicle.B2
- —reasonable adjustmentA change an employer must make so a worker can do the job.C1
- —rebrandTo give a company a new name and look.B2
- —receipt copyA duplicate proof of payment kept for the records.B1
- —receipt printerThe device that prints the bill.B1
- —reception deskThe counter just inside where visitors are greeted.B1
- —recharge your batteriesTo rest until your energy comes back.B2
- —reckless abandonBehaviour with no thought for the danger at all.C1
- —reconditeDealing with matters far beyond ordinary knowledge.C2
- —recorded deliveryPost that must be signed for on arrival.B2
- —recorded delivery slipThe card left when nobody signed for an item.C1
- —recovery positionThe posture an unconscious person is laid in to breathe safely.B2
- —recreationalDone for enjoyment rather than as work or duty.C1
- —recycling boxThe container for materials to be used again.B1
- —recycling centreThe place waste is sorted for reuse.B1
- —red bookThe record kept of a child's health and growth.C1
- —red cardThe card that sends a player off the field for good.B1
- —red herringA false clue that leads the search astray.C1
- —red tapeRules and paperwork that slow everything down.C1
- —red-eyeAn overnight flight.C1
- —red-hotHeated until it glows red.B2
- —redactTo black out words in a document before releasing it.C1
- —redactedWith the sensitive parts blacked out.C1
- —redeeming featureThe one good quality that makes up for the rest.C1
- —redeliveryA second attempt to deliver something.B2
- —redolentStrongly smelling of something, or bringing it to mind.C2
- —redundancy payMoney given when a job is no longer needed.B2
- —refactorTo rewrite code so it reads better without changing what it does.C1
- —reference requestAn employer's enquiry about a former worker.B2
- —reference sectionBooks that may be consulted but not taken away.B1
- —reforestationThe planting of trees where forest was lost.C1
- —refuge pointA safe place to wait for help in an emergency.C1
- —refuse collectionThe service that takes away household rubbish.B2
- —regicideThe killing of a king.C2
- —registered postMail tracked and signed for on delivery.B2
- —regurgitateTo bring swallowed food back up into the mouth.C1
- —rehearsal roomThe space a band books to practise in.B2
- —rehomeTo find a new family for an animal.C1
- —rein inTo pull a horse up, or to hold something back.C1
- —reinvent the wheelTo waste effort making again what already exists.C1
- —relapse preventionPlanning ahead to avoid slipping back.C1
- —relegationBeing put down into a lower class or league.B2
- —reliantNeeding someone or something in order to manage or survive.B2
- —rely onTo depend on somebody or something with confidence.B1
- —remonstrateTo protest to somebody about what they are doing.C2
- —remote controlA handheld device for operating equipment from a distance.B1
- —remote workDoing your job from home instead of the office.B1
- —rend asunderTo wrench something violently apart, splitting it into large separate pieces rather than small shreds.C2
- —repeat offenderSomebody who commits the same crime again and again.B2
- —repentantSincerely sorry for having done wrong.B2
- —replacement busA bus put on when the trains cannot run.B1
- —reply allTo answer a message to everybody who received it.B1
- —report cardThe paper with all your grades that goes home to your parents.B1
- —resealableAble to be closed again after opening.B2
- —reservation bookThe record of who is coming and when.B2
- —reserve priceThe least a seller will accept.B2
- —reserved spaceA parking place kept for a particular use.B2
- —resignedAccepting something unpleasant that cannot be changed.C1
- —resitTaking an exam again after failing it.B2
- —respawnTo come back into a game after being defeated.C1
- —restiveRestless and hard to keep under control.C2
- —restraining orderA court order to stay away from a person.C1
- —restroomA public toilet, in American English.B1
- —retargetingAdvertising again to people who already looked.C1
- —retinolA vitamin treatment used to smooth skin over time.C1
- —retinueThe attendants who travel with an important person.C1
- —retirement partyA gathering held when somebody leaves work for good.B1
- —retouchTo correct small faults in a photograph.C1
- —retrospectA view of a past event with the knowledge of what followed.C2
- —retrospectionLooking back over what has already happened.C2
- —return addressThe address to send it back to if it fails.B1
- —return fareThe price of travelling there and back.B1
- —return on investmentWhat you got back compared with what you spent.B2
- —return ticketA ticket there and back.A2
- —returns policyThe rules about bringing goods back.B2
- —retweetTo pass somebody else's post on to your own followers.B1
- —revTo make an engine turn faster and louder.B2
- —revelatoryShowing something that had not been understood before.C2
- —revenantSomebody who returns, especially from the dead.C2
- —reverentialFull of awe and deep respect.C1
- —revisionismThe reworking of an accepted account of the past.C2
- —rhetorical questionA question asked without wanting an answer.C1
- —rheumyWatery and dull, said of old eyes.C2
- —rib cageThe curved bones that make a basket around the heart.B2
- —ribbon trimA narrow decorative band sewn onto cloth.B2
- —riding schoolA place where people are taught to ride.B1
- —right angleAn angle of ninety degrees.B1
- —right-handOn or towards the side opposite the heart, in the hyphenated form that pairs with side, corner, or lane.A2
- —ring a bellTo sound faintly familiar without quite coming back.B2
- —ringletA long spiralling curl of hair.C1
- —rinse outTo wash the inside of something with clean water.B1
- —riprapLoose rock piled to protect a shore from waves.C2
- —risk assessmentThe check on what could go wrong and how to stop it.B2
- —roadworksRepairs that close part of a road.B1
- —roadworthySafe and legal to drive.C1
- —roast dinnerA Sunday meal of meat, potatoes and vegetables.B1
- —robotic armA programmed mechanical limb that does repeated work.B2
- —rock the boatTo disturb a situation that was going along quietly.B2
- —rock-solidExtremely firm, reliable or unshakeable.B2
- —rocket scienceSomething so complicated that ordinary people cannot follow it.B2
- —rocking horseA wooden horse on curved runners.B1
- —role modelA person so admirable that others copy how they live.B2
- —roll matThe thin foam layer that softens the ground.B1
- —roll outTo flatten dough with a rolling pin.B2
- —roll upTo turn something over on itself into a roll.B2
- —roll your eyesTo turn the eyes upward to show contempt.B2
- —roller coasterThe fast twisting ride of climbs, drops, and screams.B1
- —roller skatesBoots with wheels underneath.B1
- —rolling pinThe heavy wooden cylinder you flatten dough with.B1
- —rolling stockAll the vehicles a railway owns.C1
- —romaniaThe country of the Carpathian mountains and Dracula's castle.B1
- —rondelA small round plate of armour or a round shield.C2
- —room numberThe figure identifying which room is yours.A2
- —room serviceMeals brought to your room at your request.B1
- —root causeThe real reason underneath a problem.B2
- —root systemAll the underground parts that anchor and feed a plant.B2
- —round downTo lower a number to the nearest convenient one.B1
- —round onTo turn suddenly and attack somebody with words.C1
- —round robinA competition in which everybody plays everybody.C1
- —round the bendDriven mad or completely irrational.C1
- —round the clockAll day and all night without pause.B2
- —round tripA journey there and back again on one ticket.B1
- —round upTo raise a number to the nearest convenient one.B1
- —route planningWorking out the best way for vehicles to travel.B2
- —routine checkA regular look to catch faults early.B1
- —royal blueA strong vivid blue.B1
- —rub your eyesTo press the eyes with the hands from tiredness.B1
- —rubber bandA loop of stretchy rubber used to hold things together.B1
- —rubber glovesWaterproof gloves worn to protect the hands.A2
- —ruefulShowing regret in a wry good-humoured way.C1
- —rule of thirdsPlacing the subject a third of the way across the frame.C1
- —rule of thumbA rough practical guide that works most of the time.C1
- —rule outTo decide something is not possible and drop it.B2
- —rulebookThe booklet setting out how a game is played.B2
- —ruminativeGiven to long slow thought.C2
- —run a businessTo manage a commercial concern.B1
- —run a riskTo act in a way that could go badly wrong.B2
- —run agroundTo drive a boat onto the bottom and stick.C1
- —run awayTo escape by running from a place or person.A2
- —run downTo lose power or be gradually reduced.B2
- —run intoTo meet someone unexpectedly.B2
- —run lateTo be behind schedule.B1
- —run outTo use up the whole supply of something.B1
- —run out ofTo have no more of something left.A2
- —run out of timeTo have nothing left before the deadline.B1
- —run overTo knock down and drive over with a vehicle.B2
- —run throughTo rehearse or review something quickly from beginning to end.B2
- —run-downIn poor condition after neglect.B2
- —run-inAn unpleasant confrontation with somebody.C1
- —run-of-the-millPerfectly ordinary; nothing special.C1
- —runner-upThe competitor who finished second.B2
- —running stitchA simple stitch that weaves in and out of the cloth.B2
- —runtimeThe period while a program is actually executing.C1
- —rush hourThe busy time of day when everyone travels to or from their job at once.B2
- —ruttedMarked with deep grooves made by wheels.C1
- —rwandaThe land of a thousand hills, home of mountain gorillas.B2
- —sabre-toothAn extinct cat with enormous upper fangs.B1
- —safe deposit boxA locked box in a bank vault for valuables.B2
- —safe houseA secret place where somebody can hide.B2
- —safe journeyA wish for somebody setting off travelling.B1
- —safety demonstrationThe briefing on what to do in an emergency.B2
- —safety gogglesSealed eye protection worn in a laboratory.B2
- —safety guardA barrier that keeps hands out of moving parts.B2
- —safety netThe mesh stretched below to catch a falling performer.B2
- —sailing raceA contest between boats driven by wind.B1
- —sale railThe rack holding reduced clothing.B2
- —sallyA sudden rush out from a defended position.C2
- —saltinessThe quality that comes from the seasoning mineral.B2
- —saltmarshCoastal grassland flooded by the sea at high tide.C2
- —same hereA short way of saying you feel the same.B1
- —same oldNothing has changed since you last asked.C1
- —samiteA rich silk cloth interwoven with gold.C2
- —sample sizeHow many people a study actually asked.B2
- —san marinoMicro-republic on a mountain, completely surrounded by Italy.C1
- —sanctifyTo make something holy or set it apart for religious use.C1
- —sandpitA box of loose grains for children to dig in.B1
- —satellite townA smaller town depending on a nearby city.C1
- —saudi arabiaThe desert kingdom of oil and the holy city of Mecca.B1
- —save upTo put money aside until you have enough.B1
- —savings accountAn account that pays interest on money left in it.B1
- —sawyerSomebody whose trade is sawing timber.C2
- —say hello for meAsk somebody to greet another on your behalf.B1
- —scale modelA small copy built to show what the real thing will look like.B2
- —scalp massageRubbing the skin of the head to relax it.B2
- —scanner beltThe moving strip that carries bags through an x-ray.B2
- —schemaThe shape a database expects its data to have.C1
- —science fictionStories of space, robots, and the future.B1
- —sclerosisAn abnormal hardening of body tissue.C1
- —scorpion tailThe curved stinging tip on the end of a scorpion.B2
- —scouring padA rough pad for scrubbing burnt pans.C1
- —scramTo leave quickly, used as an order.C2
- —scrap metalWaste metal collected to be melted and used again.B2
- —scrape throughTo pass, but only just.B2
- —scratch your headTo rub the scalp while puzzled.B2
- —scratching postThe upright a cat is meant to claw instead of furniture.B2
- —scree slopeA slope of loose broken stone below a cliff.C1
- —screen breakA deliberate pause from devices.B1
- —screen readerSoftware that reads out what is on a display.B2
- —screen shareTo show the others what is on your own display.B1
- —screen timeHow long you spend looking at a device.B2
- —screenshotA picture a device takes of its own screen.B1
- —screw inTo fasten something by turning it into a threaded hole.B1
- —scrublandDry land covered with low rough bushes.C1
- —scrunchTo crush something into a wrinkled mass.C2
- —scuba divingDiving with air carried in tanks on your back.B1
- —sea anemoneA flower-like sea creature with stinging tentacles.C1
- —sea levelThe average height of the ocean surface.B1
- —sea urchinA round sea creature covered in sharp spines.B2
- —sea viewA room whose window looks out over the water.B1
- —sealing waxHot wax dripped on a letter and stamped.C1
- —seam allowanceThe margin left outside the stitching line.C1
- —search partyA group that goes out looking for somebody lost.B2
- —season ticketA ticket bought for a whole period of travel.B1
- —seasonal menuA list of dishes that changes with the year.B2
- —seasoning balanceThe right proportion of salt, acid and sweetness.C1
- —seat numberThe place assigned to you on the plane.A2
- —seatbelt signThe lit symbol telling you to fasten up.B1
- —seatpostThe tube that holds the seat at the right height.B2
- —secateursStrong scissors for cutting woody stems.C2
- —second class postThe slower and cheaper way of sending mail.B1
- —second personThe form used when speaking to somebody.B2
- —second thoughtsFresh doubts about a decision you already made.B2
- —second-guessTo doubt a decision after making it.C1
- —second-handOwned by somebody else before you.B1
- —secondary sourceAn account written later by someone studying it.B2
- —secondsA second helping of the same dish.B2
- —security badgeThe card that opens the doors you are allowed through.B1
- —security checkThe point where passengers and bags are screened.B1
- —security clearanceOfficial permission to see secret material.B2
- —security guardA person employed to guard premises or people.B1
- —security tagThe device that sounds an alarm if goods leave unpaid.B2
- —sediment layerOne band of silt, sand or mud in rock, marking material that settled at a particular time.B2
- —sedulousWorking with steady untiring care.C2
- —see eye to eyeTo agree completely with someone.B2
- —see throughTo spot the truth behind someone's trick; also, to finish what you started.C1
- —see you aroundA casual farewell to somebody you will meet again.B1
- —seed drillThe machine that plants seed in even rows.C1
- —seed podThe case that holds a plant's seeds until they are ready.B2
- —seek outTo search for someone or something until you find them.B2
- —seize upFor moving parts to stick fast and stop.C1
- —self-assuredQuietly confident in yourself.C1
- —self-awareUnderstanding your own nature and effect on others.B2
- —self-careLooking after your own health and spirits deliberately.B2
- —self-cateringWhere you cook your own meals rather than being fed.B2
- —self-centeredSeeing everything only in relation to your own concerns, so that other people barely register.B2
- —self-checkoutThe machine you scan and pay at yourself.B1
- —self-confidentSure of your own abilities and worth.B1
- —self-consciousUncomfortably aware of being observed by others.C1
- —self-controlThe power to master your own urges and temper by strength of mind alone.B2
- —self-defenceThe protecting of yourself from attack.B2
- —self-determinationThe right of a people to choose their own government.C1
- —self-employedWorking for yourself rather than as somebody's employee.B1
- —self-esteemHow much you value and believe in yourself.B2
- —self-possessionCalm control of your feelings and behaviour under pressure.C1
- —self-respectA sense of your own dignity strong enough to stop you from acting in ways that would demean you.B2
- —self-serviceA system in which customers serve themselves.B1
- —self-studyLearning on your own without a teacher.B2
- —self-talkThe way a person speaks to themselves inside.C1
- —self-tanA lotion that browns the skin without sun.B2
- —self-worthThe sense that you matter regardless of what you achieve.C1
- —selfieA photo you take of your own face with your phone at arm's length.A2
- —selflessnessConcern for others before yourself.C2
- —selvedgeThe finished edge of woven cloth that will not fray.C2
- —semitoneThe smallest step between two neighbouring notes.C1
- —sensationalCausing great excitement or admiration.C1
- —sensitive skinSkin that reacts easily to products.B2
- —sensorA device that detects heat, light, movement or another physical change and signals it.B2
- —seoShaping a site so search engines rank it higher.B2
- —septaA priestess of a faith in the novels.C2
- —septonA priest of a faith in the novels.C2
- —sereDry and withered, in poetic use.C2
- —serenadeA song performed outdoors, traditionally to a lover.C1
- —serve a purposeTo be useful for something.B2
- —serve upTo put the finished food onto plates and bring it to the table.B2
- —service chargeA percentage added to the bill for the staff.B2
- —service planAn agreement covering repairs for a fixed monthly sum.B2
- —serviced apartmentA flat rented short-term with hotel-like service.C1
- —servietteThe cloth or paper used to wipe your mouth.B1
- —servilityExcessive willingness to obey and please.C2
- —set a precedentTo do something that later cases will follow.C1
- —set a targetTo fix the result you mean to reach.B2
- —set an exampleTo behave in a way others should copy.B2
- —set asideTo save money or time for a purpose; to park a disagreement.B2
- —set backTo delay progress; also, to cost someone a lot.B2
- —set downTo record something formally in writing.C1
- —set forthTo begin a journey, or to state something in order.C1
- —set menuA fixed list of courses at one price.B1
- —set offTo begin a journey.B2
- —set outTo begin a journey, or to explain in an orderly way.B2
- —set squareA flat triangle used to draw and check right angles.B2
- —set upTo assemble or arrange something ready for use.B1
- —set your heart onTo want one particular thing above all others.B2
- —setting sprayA mist that fixes make-up in place.C1
- —settle downTo start a calm steady life in one place, often with a family.B2
- —seventeenThe number that comes after sixteen.A1
- —seventySeven times ten.A1
- —sewing machineA machine for stitching fabric.A2
- —seychellesIndian Ocean islands of granite boulders and honeymoon beaches.B2
- —shaft of lightA straight column of light through darkness.C1
- —shake your headTo move the head side to side to mean no.A2
- —shale oilOil squeezed out of layered rock.C1
- —shallow endThe part of the pool where you can stand.B1
- —shamefacedShowing embarrassment or shame at something you have done.C2
- —shareholdingThe size of the stake somebody holds.C1
- —shaving foamThe lather spread on skin before shaving.B1
- —sheet maskA soaked fabric face covering left on for minutes.B2
- —shelf edge labelThe small card on the shelf giving the price.B2
- —shelf markThe code showing where a book is kept.C1
- —shelf spaceHow much room a product gets in a shop.B2
- —sheltered spotA place out of the wind.B2
- —shinboneThe long bone at the front of the lower leg.B1
- —shipwrightA craftsman who builds and repairs ships.C1
- —shirtsleevesThe sleeves of a shirt, used to describe someone wearing no jacket over it.B2
- —shoot upTo grow very fast, or to rise sharply.B2
- —shop assistantA person employed to serve customers in a shop.A2
- —shopaholicA person who simply cannot stop buying things.B2
- —shopping centreA large building holding many shops.A2
- —shopping listThe written note of what you set out to buy.A2
- —shopping spreeA wild happy afternoon of buying far too much.B2
- —short circuitA fault where current takes a wrong easy path.B2
- —short filmA complete film that runs only a few minutes.B1
- —short letA property rented for weeks rather than years.C1
- —short-haulDescribing a short flight, usually within a region.B2
- —short-livedLasting only a very little while.B2
- —short-sightedUnable to see distant things clearly.B2
- —short-termMeant to last only a little while.B2
- —shortcomingA fault or failure to meet a required standard.C1
- —shot putThrowing a heavy metal ball as far as you can.B2
- —shout downTo stop a speaker by making more noise than they do.B2
- —show jumpingRiding a horse over a course of fences against the clock.B2
- —show offTo display your skills or things just to be admired.B1
- —show someone the ropesTo teach a newcomer how things work.C1
- —show upTo arrive, especially when it was uncertain.B1
- —show-offA person who tries to impress others with their abilities.B2
- —shower gelLiquid soap for washing in the shower.A2
- —showjumpingA contest of riding a horse over fences.B2
- —shrink wrapPlastic film drawn tight round a load by heat.B2
- —shrivel upTo dry and wrinkle into something smaller.C1
- —shrug offTo dismiss something as unimportant.B2
- —shut downTo close a business or switch off a machine completely.B2
- —shutter releaseThe button that actually takes the picture.C1
- —shutter speedHow long the sensor is left open to the light.B2
- —shuttle busThe bus that carries passengers across an airfield.B1
- —sibling rivalryCompetition between brothers and sisters.C1
- —sick leaveTime away from work permitted because of illness.B2
- —side by sidePositioned next to one another.B1
- —side dishA small extra dish served next to the main one.B1
- —side effectThe extra unwanted thing a medicine does besides helping.B2
- —side hustlePaid work done outside your main job.B2
- —side orderA small extra dish ordered alongside the main one.B1
- —side-effectAn unwanted result of taking a medicine.B2
- —side-saddleRiding with both legs on the same side.C1
- —side-stepTo step aside to avoid, or to dodge an awkward question.C2
- —sierra leoneWest African country whose name means lion mountains.C1
- —sign languageA language made of hand shapes and movement.B1
- —sign offTo give final approval to a piece of work.B2
- —sign upTo enrol or agree to take part in something.B1
- —sign-in bookThe book visitors write their names in on arrival.B1
- —signal boxThe cabin from which signals and points are worked.C1
- —signature dishThe one dish a place is known for.B2
- —signet ringA ring bearing a seal for stamping wax.C1
- —signpostedMarked with signs showing the way.B2
- —silageGreen crop stored wet and left to ferment as winter feed.C1
- —sinecureA post that pays well and asks almost nothing.C2
- —single outTo pick one person from the group for special treatment.C1
- —single roomA room with one bed, for one guest.A2
- —single ticketA ticket for one direction only.A2
- —single trackA line with only one set of rails for both directions.B2
- —single-handedDone by one person alone, without help.C1
- —single-handedlyEntirely by one person, without help.B2
- —single-mindedFixed on one purpose to the exclusion of all else.B2
- —sink inFor news to be fully understood, usually slowly.B2
- —sinuousWinding in smooth supple curves.C1
- —sister-in-lawYour partner's sister, or your brother's wife.B2
- —sit downTo move from standing into a seated position.A1
- —sit on the fenceTo refuse to pick a side.C1
- —sit-downA strike in which workers stop work but stay put in the workplace, refusing to leave until their demands are met.C1
- —six of one and half a dozen of the otherTwo options that amount to exactly the same.C2
- —six-packA pack of six cans or bottles sold together.B1
- —sixteenThe number after fifteen.A1
- —sixtySix times ten.A1
- —size upTo look at somebody and judge what they are like.C1
- —skeleton in the closetA shameful secret from the past.C1
- —ski jumpLaunching off a ramp to fly as far as possible on skis.B2
- —skipping ropeThe cord swung over and under while you jump.A2
- —skirting boardThe strip of wood along the bottom of a wall.B2
- —sky blueThe pale clear blue of a fine day.A2
- —slantwiseAt a slope rather than straight.C2
- —sleep hygieneThe habits that make good sleep likely.C1
- —sleep like a logTo sleep so deeply that nothing wakes you.B2
- —sleep on itTo wait until the next day before deciding.B2
- —sleeper trainA train with beds for overnight journeys.B2
- —sleeping bagA padded bag you sleep inside.A2
- —slip awayTo leave quietly without being noticed.B2
- —slip roadThe short road joining or leaving a motorway.B2
- —slip upTo make a careless mistake.B2
- —slip your mindTo be forgotten despite meaning to remember.B2