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.
- —slip-upA small careless error.B2
- —slippery slopeClaiming one small step must lead to disaster.C1
- —slovakiaThe central European country of Bratislava and the Tatra mountains.B2
- —sloveniaThe small green Alpine country of Ljubljana and Lake Bled.B2
- —slow downTo reduce speed or pace.B1
- —slow motionFilm played back more slowly than it was recorded.B1
- —slow on the uptakeTaking longer than others to understand.C1
- —small printThe detailed conditions of a contract, printed inconspicuously.C1
- —small talkPolite conversation about unimportant matters.B2
- —small-scaleDone at a modest size.B2
- —small-timeOperating on a minor scale and of little importance.C1
- —small-townCharacteristic of life in a small provincial town.B2
- —smallfolkThe ordinary common people of a land.C2
- —smallholdingA very small farm, worked by one family.C1
- —smart casualNeat but not formal in dress.B2
- —smarten upTo make somebody or something look neater.B2
- —smartphoneA pocket phone that is really a small computer with a touch screen.A2
- —smash intoTo collide with something violently.B2
- —smell a ratTo sense that something dishonest is going on.C1
- —smileyA simple drawing of a smiling face.B1
- —smithereensSmall fragments left after something is destroyed.C2
- —smoke alarmThe device that sounds when it senses smoke.B1
- —smoke detectorThe little ceiling disc that screams when something is burning.B2
- —smoke inhalationHarm caused by breathing the fumes of a fire.C1
- —smoked salmonCured pink fish sliced thin for bagels.B1
- —smoking roomA room where guests are permitted to smoke.B1
- —smotherTo cover something thickly so that air cannot reach it.C2
- —smudge-proofMade not to smear once it has set.C1
- —snare drumA sharp-sounding drum with wires stretched under its skin.C1
- —sniff outTo find something by following its smell.B2
- —sniff testDeciding whether food has gone off by smelling it.B2
- —snow underTo give somebody far more work than they can manage.C1
- —snow whiteA pure brilliant white.B1
- —snowblowerA machine that clears snow by drawing it in and throwing it aside.C2
- —snowfallA fall of snow, or the amount that falls.C1
- —snowlineThe height above which snow lies all year.C1
- —snowploughA vehicle with a blade that clears roads of snow.B2
- —snuffleTo breathe noisily through a blocked nose.C2
- —snug fitA join tight enough that nothing moves.B2
- —so far so goodThings are going well up to this point.B1
- —so-calledCalled that, though the name may not fit.B2
- —soap operaA drama series about the daily lives of a regular cast.B1
- —social mediaThe apps where people post photos, follow friends, and scroll for hours.B1
- —social mobilityHow easily people can move to a different class than their parents.C1
- —social networkingKeeping in touch with people through websites.B1
- —social workerThe official who helps families and vulnerable people.B1
- —socket outletThe point in a wall where a plug goes in.B2
- —socket setA handle and a box of hollow heads that fit different nuts.C1
- —sodA person, used with either affection or contempt.C1
- —soft drinkA cold drink with no alcohol in it.A2
- —soft touchSomebody who is easily persuaded to give or help.C1
- —soft-spokenSpeaking in a gentle quiet voice.B2
- —solar panelThe dark rooftop rectangle that turns sunshine into power.B2
- —solar systemA star and everything held by its gravity.B1
- —sole traderA person running a business alone in their own name.C1
- —solitarinessThe quality of being habitually apart from others, treated as a trait of a person or place rather than as the peaceful aloneness someone seeks out.C2
- —solomon islandsPacific island chain east of Papua New Guinea.C1
- —son-in-lawThe husband of your daughter.B2
- —sooner or laterAt some point in the future, inevitably.B2
- —sort codeThe number identifying which branch holds an account.B2
- —sort ofPartly or to some degree, but not entirely.B1
- —sort outTo resolve a problem or put something in order.B2
- —sorting officeThe building where post is separated for delivery.B2
- —sound engineerThe technician who records and balances sound.B2
- —sound outTo discreetly find out somebody's opinion before acting.C1
- —soundbiteA short quotable line pulled out for broadcast.C1
- —soundcheckThe test run before an audience is let in.B2
- —soundtrack albumThe recorded music from a film, sold on its own.B2
- —source protectionRefusing to name the person who told you.C1
- —sournessThe sharp quality of unripe fruit or vinegar.B2
- —sous chefThe second in command in a professional kitchen.C1
- —south africaThe country at Africa's southern tip, with Cape Town and Table Mountain.B1
- —south sudanThe world's newest country, independent since 2011.C1
- —sowing seasonThe weeks when seed goes into the ground.B2
- —soy sauceA salty dark brown liquid poured over rice.B1
- —spa treatmentA pampering session at a place of baths and massage.B2
- —space raceThe competition to be first into space.B2
- —space-timeThe four dimensions of space and time taken together.C1
- —spare partA replacement component kept ready.B1
- —spare tireThe extra wheel in the back for when one goes flat.B1
- —spare wheelThe extra wheel carried in case one fails.B1
- —spark plugThe part that fires the mixture inside a petrol engine.B2
- —sparkling waterWater with bubbles of gas in it.B1
- —speak of the devilSaid when the person you were just discussing walks in.C1
- —speak outTo publicly say what you think despite the risk.C1
- —speak upTo talk louder; also, to bravely say what you think.B2
- —speak volumesTo say a great deal without any words at all.C1
- —speaking of whichSaid to move on to a related subject.C1
- —special collectionMaterial kept apart because of its value or fragility.B2
- —special deliveryPost guaranteed to arrive by a stated time.B2
- —special needsExtra help required by a learner with a difficulty.B2
- —special offerA temporary reduction in price to attract customers.B1
- —specials boardThe list of dishes offered only today.B2
- —specification sheetThe document stating exactly what is required.B2
- —speed cameraThe device that photographs vehicles going too fast.B1
- —speed limitThe maximum legal speed for vehicles on a particular road.B1
- —speed skatingRacing on ice over a measured distance.B1
- —spfThe number saying how much sun protection a cream gives.B2
- —spice blendSeveral ground seasonings mixed to one recipe.B2
- —spicinessThe burning quality that hot seasoning gives.B2
- —spick and spanPerfectly clean and tidy.C1
- —spill the beansTo let out a secret by accident or on purpose.B2
- —spin doctorAn adviser whose job is to present news favourably.C1
- —spin-offA new work built from a character in an older one.B2
- —spinning topA toy that balances upright while it spins.B1
- —spirit levelA tool with a bubble that shows whether a line is true.B2
- —splash of milkA small quantity of dairy liquid added to tea.B2
- —splash outTo spend generously on something special.C1
- —split endsHair that has frayed apart at the tips.B2
- —split hairsTo argue over differences too fine to matter.C1
- —split secondAn extremely short moment.B2
- —split testA trial that divides the audience between versions.C1
- —split the billTo divide what is owed between everybody.B1
- —splitting hairsArguing over a difference too small to matter.C1
- —splodgeAn irregular blot of colour.C2
- —spoil heapThe pile of waste rock left beside a mine.C2
- —spokeOne of the thin rods from hub to rim of a wheel.B2
- —sports hallA large indoor space for games and exercise.B1
- —spot cleanTo clean only the marked part of something.B2
- —spotlitLit by one strong beam picking it out.C1
- —spread outTo move apart so as to cover more ground.B1
- —spring cleanA thorough clean of the whole house, once a year.B2
- —spring upTo appear suddenly and in numbers.B2
- —squander awayTo fritter a fortune or a chance until nothing is left.C1
- —square danceA folk dance for four couples in a square.B1
- —squint atTo look at something with partly closed eyes.B2
- —sri lankaThe teardrop-shaped island of tea, just south of India.B1
- —stable conditionA state where a patient is no longer getting worse.B2
- —stack traceThe list of calls that led to an error.C1
- —stackableShaped so that many can be piled up neatly.B2
- —staff handbookThe book of rules and rights for employees.B2
- —staff roomThe room where employees take their breaks.B1
- —stain removerThe special liquid that gets coffee marks out of a shirt.B2
- —stained glassColoured glass set in lead to make a window picture.B2
- —stainless steelSteel mixed with chromium so it will not rust.B1
- —stairliftA seat that carries somebody up a staircase.B2
- —stakeholderAnyone affected by an organisation's decisions.C1
- —stalactiteA stone spike hanging from a cave roof.B2
- —stand byTo remain loyal to somebody in difficulty.B2
- —stand forWhat letters in an abbreviation mean; also, to accept behavior.B2
- —stand outTo be clearly noticeable among others.B2
- —stand to attentionTo stand stiffly straight, as a soldier does.B2
- —stand upTo rise to your feet.A1
- —stand up forTo defend a person or idea under attack.B2
- —stand up toTo refuse to be bullied, or to survive hard use.B2
- —stand your groundTo refuse to be moved by pressure.B2
- —stand-inSomebody who takes an actor's place while lights are set.B2
- —stand-upComedy performed alone in front of a live audience.B2
- —standard gaugeThe width of track most of the world uses.C1
- —standard-bearerThe one who carries the flag, or leads a cause.C1
- —standingThe position somebody holds in others' regard.C1
- —standing chargeThe fixed daily amount a supplier charges before usage.C1
- —standing orderAn instruction to pay a fixed sum on a fixed day.C1
- —standing ovationApplause given by an audience on its feet.B2
- —star ratingThe official mark of a hotel's standard.B2
- —stare downTo defeat somebody by holding their gaze until they look away.C1
- —start from scratchTo begin again with nothing prepared.B2
- —starting blockThe raised platform a race is dived from.B2
- —starting gateThe stalls racehorses are released from.B2
- —starting salaryThe pay a job begins at.B1
- —startlinglyTo a degree that gives you a shock.C1
- —state of emergencyA declaration giving the state extra powers in a crisis.B2
- —state of mindA person's mental or emotional condition at a particular time.B2
- —statement periodThe stretch of time one statement covers.B2
- —status quoThe way things stand at present.C1
- —stay upTo keep yourself awake past your usual bedtime.B1
- —steadfastFirmly loyal or unwavering in purpose.C2
- —steal someone's thunderTo take the attention that was meant for someone else's moment.C1
- —steal the showTo attract all the attention away from everyone else.B2
- —steam engineA locomotive driven by boiling water.B1
- —steamrollerTo force something through by overwhelming all opposition.B2
- —steering wheelThe wheel turned by a driver to steer a vehicle.B2
- —stegosaurusA dinosaur with a double row of plates standing along its back.C2
- —stem fromTo have as its origin or cause.B2
- —step downTo resign from an important position.C1
- —step-freeReachable without having to climb any stairs.B2
- —stepping stonesStones set in a stream to cross dry-footed.B1
- —steriliseTo make something completely free of germs.B2
- —stick toTo keep to a plan, rule or promise.B2
- —stick to your gunsTo hold to your position under pressure.C1
- —stileThe steps that let people cross a fence but not animals.C1
- —still life shotA photograph of arranged objects that do not move.B2
- —stillbirthThe birth of a baby that has already died.C1
- —stilt walkerA performer who walks on tall poles.B2
- —stir up troubleTo deliberately cause difficulty between people.B2
- —stirrup ironThe metal loop a rider's foot rests in.C1
- —stock marketThe system where shares in companies are bought and sold.B2
- —stock photoA generic picture licensed for anyone to use.B2
- —stockoutRunning out of an item altogether.C1
- —stone ageThe earliest age, when tools were chipped from rock.B1
- —stoopTo bend the head and shoulders forward and down.C2
- —stop dead in your tracksTo halt instantly out of shock or surprise.C1
- —stop offTo break a journey briefly at a place.B1
- —stopcockThe valve that shuts off a building's water.C1
- —store creditMoney held for you to spend in the same shop.B2
- —store upTo save for later, or to build up trouble ahead.B2
- —straddle carrierA tall vehicle that lifts containers between its legs.C2
- —straight aheadDirectly forward, without turning.A2
- —straight lineA line with no curve or bend.A2
- —straighten upTo stand or sit upright after bending.B2
- —straw manAttacking a weakened version of somebody's argument.C1
- —street foodCheap cooked food sold from a stall or van.B1
- —street marketA market of stalls set up in a public road.B1
- —street sweeperThe worker or machine that cleans the roads.B1
- —strike a balanceTo find the workable point between two extremes.C1
- —strike a dealTo agree terms after bargaining.B2
- —string upTo hang somebody, or to hang something between two points.C1
- —stroke rateHow many arm cycles a swimmer makes each minute.C1
- —strong-mindedHolding firmly to your own judgement.C1
- —strong-willedHaving so firm a purpose that pressure and persuasion cannot shift you.B2
- —stuck-upBehaving in a superior and unfriendly way.C1
- —stud finderA device that locates the timber hidden inside a wall.C1
- —student loanMoney borrowed to fund study, repaid after graduation.B2
- —studio sessionA booked period of recording time.B2
- —stultifyTo dull the mind or make somebody incapable of thought.C2
- —style guideThe rules for wording, colour and layout.B2
- —subscriber countHow many people follow a channel.B2
- —subsequent analysisThe examination carried out after the first results.C1
- —subsidenceThe sinking of ground into a hollow beneath it.C1
- —sudden deathA finish where the next point ends everything.B2
- —sudokuA puzzle of filling a grid so no number repeats.B1
- —suffuseTo spread through and fill with colour or feeling.C2
- —suit yourselfDo as you like, though I would not.B2
- —summit pushThe final effort to reach the top.C1
- —summon upTo gather the courage or strength you need.C1
- —sun creamThe lotion that protects skin from burning.A2
- —sun loungerThe long chair you lie on beside a pool.B2
- —sunhatA wide hat worn to keep the sun off your face.A2
- —sunny spellA period when the cloud breaks and the sun shows.B2
- —suntanA browning of the skin caused by exposure to the sun.B2
- —supplies cupboardThe store where pens and paper are kept.B1
- —supply chainEvery step from raw material to the customer's hands.B2
- —supply lineThe route along which food and ammunition reach the front.B2
- —support networkThe people a person can lean on.B2
- —support workerSomebody paid to help another with daily life.B2
- —surcoatA loose robe worn over armour.C2
- —surface mailPost sent by land and sea rather than air.C1
- —surinameThe smallest South American country, once Dutch Guiana.C1
- —suspendersStraps worn over the shoulders to hold up trousers.C1
- —suspension bridgeA bridge hung from cables slung between towers.B2
- —sustainablyIn a way that can be kept up without using things up.C1
- —swap outTo take one part out and put another in.B2
- —swardAn expanse of short grass.C2
- —swatheA broad strip cut or covered across something.C1
- —swear inTo administer a formal oath to somebody taking office or giving evidence.C1
- —sweep it under the carpetTo hide a problem instead of dealing with it.C1
- —sweet potatoThe orange root vegetable, sweeter than its plain cousin.B1
- —sweet toothA strong love of sugary treats.B2
- —swimming capA tight cover worn to keep hair out of the way.A2
- —swimming poolA large artificial basin of water for swimming in.A1
- —swimming trunksShort garments a man swims in.B1
- —swineherdSomebody whose job is looking after pigs.C1
- —swing danceA group of dances developed to big band music.B2
- —switch offTo turn a machine or light off.A2
- —switch onTo start a machine working.A2
- —swivel chairAn office chair that turns and rolls.B2
- —swoonTo be overcome with admiration or emotion.C2
- —sword in the stoneThe blade only the rightful king could draw.B2
- —sword swallowerA performer who lowers a blade down the throat.B2
- —swot upTo study hard for a test at the last minute.C1
- —sycophancyFlattering the powerful to gain advantage.C2
- —syllabicTo do with the beats a word divides into.C2
- —symptom-freeShowing no sign of the illness at all.B2
- —synchronised swimmingA team display of movement in time to music.B2
- —t-junctionWhere a road ends by joining another across it.B2
- —t-shirtA simple soft top with short sleeves and no buttons.A1
- —tabardA short sleeveless coat bearing a coat of arms.C2
- —table mannersHow you are expected to behave while eating.B1
- —table serviceBeing served at your seat rather than fetching food.B2
- —table tennisA racket game played across a small indoor table.A2
- —taciturnityThe habit of saying very little.C2
- —tactile pavingTextured ground that can be felt underfoot as a warning.C1
- —taekwondoA Korean martial art known for high kicks.B1
- —taglineThe line that sums up what a brand promises.B2
- —tail lightThe red lamp at the back of a vehicle.B1
- —tail spikeA sharp bony point at the end of a tail.B1
- —taillightA red light at the rear of a vehicle.C1
- —tailor-madeCut to fit one particular person.B2
- —tailor's chalkChalk for marking lines that brush off cloth.B2
- —tajikistanCentral Asian country that is almost entirely mountains, capital Dushanbe.C1
- —take a decisionTo reach and announce a formal choice.C1
- —take a short cutTo go by a quicker route, or to skip proper steps.B1
- —take advantageTo make good use of a chance.B2
- —take afterTo look or behave like an older family member.B2
- —take an interestTo begin paying close attention to something.B2
- —take apartTo separate something into its component pieces.B2
- —take awayTo remove something from a place or person.A2
- —take backTo return a purchase to the shop; also, to unsay hurtful words.B1
- —take careUsed as a warm farewell.A2
- —take downTo write down what somebody says.B1
- —take inTo understand and absorb something you are told or shown.B2
- —take it easyTo relax and avoid exerting yourself.B1
- —take it one day at a timeTo face only what today asks of you.B2
- —take offOf an aircraft, to leave the ground.B1
- —take offenceTo feel insulted by what was said.B2
- —take onTo accept new work or responsibility; also, to fight an opponent.B2
- —take outTo remove something from inside something else.B1
- —take overTo assume control of something from someone else.B2
- —take precautionsTo act in advance against a possible danger.B2
- —take responsibilityTo accept that you are accountable for something.B2
- —take stockTo pause and review how things actually stand.C1
- —take the blameTo accept fault, whether or not it was yours.B1
- —take the first turningTo leave the road at the earliest junction.B1
- —take the law into your own handsTo punish somebody yourself instead of using the courts.C1
- —take the plungeTo finally commit to something you have been putting off.B2
- —take the scenic routeTo go the long and pretty way round.B2
- —take the wind out of your sailsTo take away your confidence suddenly.C1
- —take toTo develop a liking for somebody or something.B2
- —take upTo begin a new activity or hobby.B2
- —take with a pinch of saltTo not fully believe what you are told.C1
- —take your timeTo do something without hurrying.B1
- —take-offThe moment an aircraft leaves the ground.B1
- —takeaway counterThe place where food is collected to eat elsewhere.B1
- —takeaway menuThe printed list a delivery restaurant leaves at your door.B1
- —talk down toTo speak to somebody as if they were stupid.B2
- —talk intoTo persuade someone to do something they doubted.B2
- —talk overTo discuss something thoroughly before deciding.B2
- —talk roundTo persuade somebody to change their mind.C1
- —tall orderA request that will be very difficult to meet.C1
- —tank filterThe device that keeps aquarium water clean.B2
- —tap danceA dance whose rhythm is beaten out by metal-tipped shoes.B1
- —tap shoeFootwear fitted with metal plates for beating rhythm.B2
- —tap waterOrdinary drinking water straight from the pipe.B1
- —tap your footTo beat the floor lightly with impatience.B1
- —tape measureA flexible marked strip used for measuring length.B1
- —taprootThe single thick root that drives straight down.C1
- —tar pitA pool of sticky black pitch that trapped animals.B2
- —target audienceThe particular people a campaign is aimed at.B2
- —taste testTrying a little of something to judge it.B2
- —tastebudOne of the tiny organs on the tongue that sense flavour.C1
- —tasting menuA long series of very small courses chosen by the chef.B2
- —tasting noteA written description of what something tastes of.C1
- —tatterA torn hanging strip of cloth.B2
- —tattyWorn, shabby and in poor condition.B2
- —tawny owlThe brown owl whose call is the classic hoot.C1
- —tax evasionIllegally avoiding tax you owe.C1
- —tax havenA country with very low taxes, used to shelter money from higher rates elsewhere.C1
- —taxi rankThe line where cabs wait for passengers.B2
- —taxiwayThe path aircraft move along between runway and stand.C1
- —teacupA small cup with a saucer, used for drinking tea.B2
- —team leadThe person guiding a small working group.B2
- —tear downTo demolish a building or structure.B2
- —tectonic plateOne of the vast slabs the surface of the earth is broken into.B2
- —teddy bearThe soft toy animal children hug when they sleep.A2
- —telescope arrayMany dishes working together as one huge instrument.C1
- —tell me about itA way of saying you know that trouble only too well.B2
- —tell offTo speak angrily to somebody about their behaviour.B2
- —tell talesTo report another person's misbehaviour in order to get them punished.B2
- —temporary fixA repair meant only to last until a proper one.B2
- —tenant farmerA farmer who rents the land they work.B2
- —tent pegThe spike hammered in to hold a rope to the ground.B1
- —term of officeThe fixed period a post is held for.C1
- —term timeThe weeks when schools are in session.B2
- —terms and conditionsThe full rules attached to an agreement.B2
- —test outTo try something to see whether it works.B1
- —test tubeA thin glass tube used to hold small samples.B1
- —text messageA short written message sent between mobile phones.A2
- —thank youUsed to express gratitude.A1
- —thank-you noteA short letter sent to express thanks.B1
- —that figuresThat fits exactly what I would have expected.C1
- —that reminds meSaid when something triggers another memory.B1
- —that's a shameAn expression of mild sympathy at bad news.B1
- —the ball is in your courtIt is now your turn to decide or act.C1
- —the best of both worldsEnjoying the advantages of two options at once.B2
- —the bigger pictureThe whole situation, rather than the detail in front of you.B2
- —the calm before the stormThe strange quiet just before trouble breaks loose.C1
- —the cold shoulderDeliberate unfriendly silence toward someone.C1
- —the edge overA slight advantage that puts you in front.C1
- —the icing on the cakeAn extra pleasure on top of something already good.B2
- —the last strawThe final small problem that makes you finally explode.B2
- —the last wordThe final remark in an argument, and the winning of it.B2
- —the luck of the drawWhatever chance happens to hand you.C1
- —the other dayRecently, on an unspecified recent day.A2
- —the powers that beThe people in authority, whoever they may be.C1
- —the tip of the icebergThe small visible part of a much bigger problem.B2
- —the tools of the tradeThe equipment a particular job requires.C1
- —the whole nine yardsAbsolutely everything that goes with it.C1
- —theme tuneThe music that opens and closes a programme.B2
- —then againUsed to introduce a consideration that qualifies what was just said.B2
- —thick-skinnedNot easily hurt by criticism.C1
- —thicksetHeavily and solidly built.C1
- —thin-skinnedEasily wounded by what people say.C1
- —think overTo consider a decision carefully before answering.B2
- —think throughTo consider every part of something before acting.B2
- —think upTo invent an idea or a plan.B2
- —third personThe form used when speaking about somebody else.B2
- —third railA live rail beside the track that powers the train.C1
- —thirteenThe number after twelve.A1
- —thirtyThe number equal to three times ten.A1
- —thought processThe steps by which you reach a conclusion.B2
- —thought-provokingMaking people stop and think seriously.C1
- —thousandTen times one hundred — written as a one with three zeros.A1
- —three-wayInvolving three parties or directions.B2
- —through thick and thinStaying loyal in good times and terrible ones alike.C1
- —throw awayTo discard something as rubbish.A2
- —throw in the towelTo admit defeat and give up, as a boxer's corner does.C1
- —throw the book at somebodyTo punish somebody with every charge available.C2
- —throw upTo be sick — food coming back up.B1
- —thumbs downA lowered thumb meaning bad or refused.A2
- —thumbs upA raised thumb meaning good or agreed.A2
- —thunkA dull heavy sound of something landing.C2
- —ticket barrierThe gate that opens when a valid ticket is shown.B2
- —ticket numberThe slip that says when you will be called.B1
- —tide overTo help somebody through a hard stretch until things improve.C1
- —tidy upTo put things back where they belong.A2
- —tie the knotTo get married.C1
- —tight-fistedVery unwilling to spend money.C1
- —tighten your beltTo spend less because money is short.C1
- —till pointThe place in a shop where payment is taken.B2
- —till receiptThe printed proof of what you paid.B2
- —timber frameA building whose skeleton is made of wood.B2
- —time and againRepeatedly, over a long period.B2
- —time controlThe limit set on how long each side may think.B2
- —time differenceThe gap in clock time between two places.B1
- —time fliesSaid when time seems to pass very quickly.B2
- —time off in lieuHours off given instead of extra pay.C1
- —time trialA race where riders set off alone against the clock.B2
- —time-consumingTaking up a great deal of time.B2
- —time-lapseMany pictures over hours played back as fast movement.B2
- —timelineA line showing events in the order they happened.B2
- —timesheetThe record of hours worked on each task.B2
- —timewornShowing the marks of great age, faded or eroded by the passing of many years.C2
- —timorousNervous and easily frightened.C2
- —tin openerA tool that cuts the metal lid off a sealed food can.B1
- —tip of the icebergThe small visible part of a much bigger hidden problem.B2
- —tip-offA piece of private information warning of something.C1
- —tips jarThe pot where extra coins are collected for the staff.B1
- —titrationAdding one solution drop by drop to measure another.C2
- —to be honestUsed to introduce a frank or blunt opinion.B1
- —to cut a long story shortLeaving out the middle and getting to the end.B2
- —to tell the truthIntroducing an admission you might have hidden.B1
- —to-do listThe written list of what still has to be done.B1
- —tobogganA long flat sledge with a curved front, for sliding over snow.B2
- —toffee appleA fruit coated in hard sweet syrup on a stick.B1
- —tokenismMaking a small gesture to look fair without real change.C2
- —tone of voiceThe consistent style and personality of an organisation's writing.B2
- —tone-deafUnable to hear the difference between pitches.C1
- —too good to be trueSo attractive that it is probably a trick.B2
- —too many cooksToo many people involved will spoil the work.C1
- —toolbeltA belt with pouches that keeps tools at your hip.B2
- —toolingThe dies and jigs a process needs.C2
- —toolshedA small outbuilding for storing tools.C1
- —top coatThe clear layer painted over colour to protect it.B2
- —top noteThe first smell a scent gives, and the quickest to go.C1
- —top secretOf the highest level of official secrecy.B1
- —top-secretClassified at the very highest level.B1
- —torcA rigid twisted neck ring worn in ancient times.C2
- —tote bagA large open cloth bag with two handles.B1
- —touch upTo repair your appearance slightly.B2
- —touch woodSaid after mentioning good fortune, to avoid tempting fate.B2
- —touch-upA small repair to make-up during the day.B2
- —touchpadThe panel a swimmer strikes to stop the clock.C1
- —tough cookieA person who is not easily hurt or beaten.C1
- —tour operatorThe company that puts a package holiday together.B2
- —tourmalineA crystal that comes in many colours.C2
- —tousleTo make hair untidy by rubbing it.C1
- —tow truckA vehicle used to tow away broken-down or illegally parked cars.B1
- —towel dryTo dry yourself by rubbing with cloth.B1
- —town hallThe building housing local government offices and public rooms.B1
- —toxinA poisonous substance produced by a living organism.C1
- —trace fossilA footprint or burrow left by an ancient creature.C1
- —traceabilityBeing able to track where every part came from.C1
- —track cyclingRacing on a purpose-built banked circuit.B2
- —tracking numberThe code that lets you follow a parcel's journey.B1
- —tracking shotA shot where the whole camera moves with the subject.C1
- —tractor cabThe glass box the driver of a farm vehicle sits in.B1
- —trade-offGiving up some of one good thing to get another.B2
- —trading standardsThe body that checks traders deal fairly.C1
- —traffic jamA long line of vehicles unable to move.B1
- —traffic lightA signal controlling traffic with coloured lights.A2
- —trail markerThe paint or post that shows the way.B2
- —trail offTo become gradually quieter or fainter and then stop.C1
- —trailheadThe place where a walking route begins.B2
- —train driverA person who operates a train.A2
- —train of thoughtA connected sequence of thoughts.B2
- —traipseTo walk about tiredly and with little result.C1
- —tram stopThe place a street railway picks passengers up.B1
- —trampoliningThe sport of bouncing high and turning in the air.B1
- —transfixTo hold somebody motionless with amazement.C1
- —trapdoorA hinged door set into a floor or ceiling.C1
- —travel agentThe person who arranges and sells your journey.B1
- —travellers chequeA pre-paid note once used for spending abroad.B2
- —tray serviceCarrying several dishes at once on a flat board.B2
- —tray tableThe small flat surface that folds down in front of you.B1
- —tread waterTo stay upright in deep water without moving along.B2
- —treaty signingThe formal act that ends a war or seals an alliance.B2
- —trending topicA subject a great many people are discussing right now.B2
- —trial periodA stretch of free use before you must pay.B2
- —tribalismStrong loyalty to your own group against outsiders.C1
- —triceratopsA dinosaur with three horns and a wide bony collar.C2
- —trilobiteA small armoured sea creature of very ancient times.C1
- —trinidad and tobagoTwin-island Caribbean nation, the birthplace of steelpan and carnival.B2
- —trinket boxA small case for keeping little ornaments.B2
- —tripod headThe joint that lets a camera tilt and turn on its stand.C1
- —trolleybusA bus drawing power from overhead wires.C1
- —troublemakerA person who deliberately causes problems or discord.C1
- —troubleshootTo hunt down what is wrong with a machine, step by step.C1
- —truncateTo cut something short by lopping off the end.C1
- —try onTo put clothes on to see if they fit.A2
- —try outTo test something new to see how it works.B1