Category: Fun EL Stuff

(v) to wave something in the air, especially a weapon, in a threatening or excited way e.g. She brandished a saucepan at the robber who had broken into her house. synonyms: wield, raise, swing other word forms: nil

(v) try to deceive someone as to one's abilities or intentions e.g. He seems to know a lot about music, but sometimes I think he's only bluffing. synonyms: pretend, putting on an act, mislead (n) an attempt to deceive/bluff e.g. "It was all a bluff! The diamond in his hand is fake!" Horrified at being … Continue reading bluff

(n) a line or pile of objects put together to stop people from entering/exiting the place e.g. A few protestors broke through the police barricade and rushed towards the site. synonyms: barrier, obstacle, blockade other word forms: nil (v) to block or build a barricade across, around, or in front of something e.g. "Barricade the … Continue reading barricade

(v) 1. to send someone away, especially from their country/home town, and not allowed to return e.g. They were banished from the library for making so much noise. synonyms: exile, deported, thrown out, ban (v) 2. get rid of (something unwanted) e.g. "Banish all thoughts of losing from your heads!" The coach shouted at the … Continue reading banish

(n) a natural ability to do something e.g. It is a stereotype that all women have the aptitude for cooking and sewing. synonyms: gift, flair, talent other word forms: nil

(n) self-assurance and confidence e.g. Diana conducted the meeting with great aplomb. synonyms: self-assurance, composure other word forms: nil

(adj): fearful or anxious that something bad or unpleasant will happen e.g. He felt apprehensive about going home. synonyms: anxious, uneasy, worried, nervous, afraid other word forms: apprehension (n), apprehensively (adv)

(n) one's opponent in a contest, conflict or dispute e.g. Davis beat his adversary in the quarter-finals synonyms: opponent, enemy, foe, rival word forms: adversarial (adj)